Science is a process of observing, analyzing, and investigating to learn how the natural and physical world works. Inquiry-based instruction in science is a teaching approach that places students at the center of the learning process. Students are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, design and conduct experiments, and draw conclusions based on their findings. Technology tools and resources can be used to enhance inquiry-based science instruction by providing students with access to information, data, and simulation tools. Assessment resources for science learning can be used to measure students’ understanding of scientific concepts and skills.

Activities

• Science is observing, analyzing, and investigating to learn how the natural and physical world works:

  • Activity: Students create and conduct their own science experiments to answer a question of their choice.
  • Materials: Various science supplies, such as beakers, microscopes, and test tubes.
  • Procedure: Students identify a question they want to answer about the natural or physical world. They then design and conduct an experiment to answer their question. Students keep a record of their observations and data, and they draw conclusions based on their findings.

• Inquiry-based instruction in science:

  • Activity: Students investigate the water cycle using a variety of inquiry-based activities.
  • Materials: Various water cycle models and diagrams, as well as water in different states (liquid, solid, and gas).
  • Procedure: Students explore the different stages of the water cycle using models and diagrams. They then conduct experiments to observe the water cycle in action. Students record their observations and data, and they draw conclusions about the water cycle.

• Technology tools and resources:

  • Activity: Students use a variety of technology tools and resources to investigate the human body.
  • Materials: Computers, tablets, or smartphones with internet access, as well as various educational apps and websites related to the human body.
  • Procedure: Students use technology tools and resources to learn about the different parts of the human body, how they work together, and how to stay healthy. Students can use educational apps and websites to watch videos, play games, and read articles about the human body.

• Assessment resources for science learning:

  • Activity: Students create a science portfolio to document their learning throughout the year.
  • Materials: Binders, paper, and other supplies for creating a portfolio.
  • Procedure: Students collect samples of their work throughout the year, such as lab reports, experiment results, and drawings. Students put together their portfolios at the end of the year to reflect on their learning and progress.

Articles

• Science is observing, analyzing, and investigating to learn how the natural and physical world works:

  • Article: “The Importance of Observation in Science” by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
  • Article: “Inquiry-Based Science: What It Is and How to Do It” by the Smithsonian Science Education Center

• Inquiry-based instruction in science:

  • Article: “The Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning” by the NSTA
  • Article: “How to Implement Inquiry-Based Science Instruction” by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Inquiry-Based Learning

• Technology tools and resources:

  • Article: “Using Technology to Enhance Science Instruction” by the NSTA
  • Article: “The Best Educational Apps for Science Students” by Edutopia

• Assessment resources for science learning:

  • Article: “Formative Assessment in Science: What It Is and Why It Matters” by the NSTA
  • Article: “Creating Effective Science Assessments” by the NSTA

Ideas

• Science is observing, analyzing, and investigating to learn how the natural and physical world works:

  • Encourage students to ask questions about the world around them.
  • Provide students with opportunities to conduct their own science experiments.
  • Help students develop their observational and analytical skills.

• Inquiry-based instruction in science:

  • Design science lessons that are centered around student inquiry.
  • Provide students with access to a variety of resources, such as books, websites, and real-world data, to support their investigations.
  • Encourage students to collaborate and share their findings with each other.

• Technology tools and resources:

  • Integrate technology tools and resources into science lessons in a meaningful way.
  • Use technology to provide students with access to information, data, and simulation tools.
  • Help students develop their digital literacy skills.

• Assessment resources for science learning:

  • Use a variety of assessment methods to measure students’ understanding of scientific concepts and skills.
  • Provide students with feedback on their work so that they can improve their learning.