The Science Quest

The Science Quest introduces the Inquiry/Discovery instructional framework, an innovative method for captivating students? interest in science, for building their skills in scientific thinking, and for dramatically enriching their understanding of scientific content and concepts. For teachers curious how to implement ?inquiry? learning as called for in the National Science Education Standards, this book provides detailed and practical guidance. It shows teachers how to transform ordinary lessons in ways that 1) encourage students to take initiative in posing scientific ?inquiry? questions; and 2) enable students to independently ?discover? answers to their questions by engaging in investigative practices and critically evaluating the findings. Inquiry/Discovery practices can be introduced in stages, starting with simple activities and gradually increasing the levels of challenge.

The Science Quest includes everything a teacher needs to bring successful instruction, including:

• Extensive lesson planning and assessment tools
• Suggestions on working with students in teams
• Scores of sample lessons from varied disciplines

Preface ix

About the Authors xv

The Contributors xix

1 Rethinking How Science Is Taught 1

Critical Thinking and Inquiry 1

Understanding Student Inquiry/Discovery 3

Teaching Strategies for Inquiry/Discovery Learning 5

2 Linking Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 15

The Importance of Hands-On Activities 16

Establishing Learning Goals 19

Necessary Classroom Tools and Resources 21

A Sample Lesson: Study of Archimedes’ Principle 23

Instruction Supporting Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 27

Assessment in Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 31

Summary 33

3 Introducing and Planning Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 35

Building ‘‘Rigor’’ into Science Learning 36

Understanding Levels of Student Responsibility: The Instructional Matrix 36

The Instructional Matrix in Planning Science Lessons 39

Designing Inquiry/Discovery Lesson Sequences 51

Structuring Lessons to Best Meet the Potential of Students 60

Summary 63

4 Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for Middle School 65

Lesson I: Astronomy (Measuring Distances) 66

Lesson 2: Study of Mass, Volume, and Density 78

Lesson 3: Energy Conservation 82

Summary 87

5 Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for High School 89

Lesson 1: Energy, Work, and Power (Physics) 89

Lesson 2: Study of Cell Sizes: A Simulation (Biology) 96

Lesson 3: Effects of Chemicals on Metabolism (Biology and Chemistry) 100

Lesson 4: Study of Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Water (Chemistry) 103

Lesson 5: Study of Oxidation and Reduction (Chemistry/Geology) 110

Summary 114

6 Supportive Instruction in Language and Team Building 117

The Scope of Inquiry/Discovery 117

Implementing Higher-Order Student Questioning 122

Working with Students in Teams 130

Supportive Strategies for Students with Special Needs 135

Service Learning as an Incentive for Inquiry/Discovery 135

Integrating Language Arts and Science: Another Look 137

Summary 140

7 Assessment of Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 141

Assessment Goals in Inquiry/Discovery Instruction 142

Approaches to Assessment 143

The Teacher’s Shifting Roles in Inquiry/Discovery Assessment 154

A Balance of Assessment Practices 159

Summary 161

8 Managing Inquiry/Discovery in the Classroom 163

Homework 163

Classroom Management 165

Classroom Laboratory Essentials 168

Putting It All Together 173

9 Looking to the Future: The Globalization Challenge 175

Support for Dedicated Teachers of Science 175

Concluding Thought 177

A Selected Classroom Resources 179

B Writing Tools 183

C Assessment Tools 185

References 189

Index 193

THE AUTHORS

FRANK X. SUTMAN is professor emeritus at Temple University, where he served as science teacher educator, senior scholar, and coordinator of the Center for Science Laboratory Studies. JOSEPH S. SCHMUCKLER is lead professor of science education and professor of chemistry at Temple University. JOYCE D. WOODFIELD is??a middle-school teacher who has taught numerous subjects, primarily??in the language arts.

THE SCIENCE QUEST

The Science Quest introduces the Inquiry/Discovery instructional framework, an innovative method for captivating students' interest in science, for building their skills in scientific thinking, and for dramatically enriching their understanding of scientific content and concepts. For teachers curious about how to implement "inquiry" learning as called for in the National Science Education Standards, this book provides detailed and practical guidance. It shows teachers how to transform ordinary lessons in ways that 1) encourage students to take initiative in posing scientific "inquiry" questions; and 2) enable students to independently "discover" answers to their questions by engaging in investigative practices and critically evaluating the findings. Inquiry/Discovery practices can be introduced in stages, starting with simple activities and gradually increasing the levels of challenge. The Science Quest includes everything a teacher needs for successful instruction, including:

• Extensive lesson planning and assessment tools
• Suggestions on working with students in teams
• Scores of sample lessons from varied disciplines

This book will serve as a guide for preparing the next generation of scientists and scientifically informed citizens.

PRAISE FOR THE SCIENCE QUEST

"A must-read for all aspiring/inquiring teachers of science."
—ALAN SPRINGEL, science teacher, Mainland Regional High School, Linwood, New Jersey

"An excellent guide for teachers who want to engage students in the excitement of true scientific investigation."
—PAMELA FRASER-ADBER, director science education, Department of Teaching and Learning, New York, New York

"A great contribution to the school science teaching curriculum."
—DAVID E. KAPEL, professor emeritus of education and dean, College of Education, Rowan University

"A unique and timely contribution to the preparation of science teachers."
—GLENDA M. PRIME, director, Graduate Students in Science Education, Morgan University