Creating Science Assessments That Support Inquiry

Journal Article | March 2012

This article discusses the resources available for teachers to apply higher-level thinking and cognitive complexity to their instruction and assessments.

Science Sampler: An inquiry into the phases of matter

Journal Article | September 2010

The “What’s the matter With XOD” activity addresses students’ misconceptions and refines their ideas about phases of matter. This activity introduces the characteristics for solids, liquids, and gases, and begins a…

Concrete Inquiry: An introduction to materials science

Journal Article | August 2001

Students walk to school on concrete sidewalks every day. Yet how many of them understand how concrete is made, how it can be strengthened, or the difference between cement and concrete? In this materials science unit,…

Multiple Modes of Inquiry in Earth Science

Journal Article | December 2007

To help teachers enrich their students’ understanding of inquiry in Earth science, this article describes six modes of inquiry used by practicing geoscientists (Earth scientists). Each mode of inquiry is illustrated by…

Epidemiology, Science as Inquiry, and Scientific Literacy

Journal Article | October 2003

Explore a Standards-based curriculum called Detectives in the Classroom that teaches the science of epidemiology for middle-level students.

Using Interactive Science Notebooks for Inquiry-Based Science

Journal Article | March 2006

Tired of finding students' work overflowing from the garbage can on the last day of school? Try using an Interactive Science Notebook approach to help students make connections to their learning. This approach…

Digging Into Inquiry-based Earth Science Research

Journal Article | November 2008

To help eighth-grade students experience the excitement of Earth science research, the authors developed an inquiry-based project in which students evaluated and cataloged their campus geology and soils. Following class…

Science on a Roll Part One: Absorbing Inquiry

Journal Article | January 2002

Testing the absorbancy of different brands of paper towels is a popular activity for many grade levels. It is a simple, fun, and effective teaching tool for getting students involved in the process of science. The…

Methods and Strategies: Think-Alouds in Inquiry Science

Journal Article | August 2006

As teachers, we know that learning through an inquiry approach is helpful for our students. However, not all students are accustomed to learning through inquiry. Some have never experienced an inquiry investigation in…