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

The Science Quest introduces the Inquiry/Discoveryinstructional framework, an innovative method for captivatingstudents? interest in science, for building their skills inscientific thinking, and for dramatically enriching theirunderstanding of scientific content and concepts. For teacherscurious how to implement ?inquiry? learning as called for in theNational Science Education Standards, this book provides detailedand practical guidance. It shows teachers how to transform ordinarylessons in ways that 1) encourage students to take initiative inposing scientific ?inquiry? questions; and 2) enable students toindependently ?discover? answers to their questions by engaging ininvestigative practices and critically evaluating the findings.Inquiry/Discovery practices can be introduced in stages, startingwith simple activities and gradually increasing the levels ofchallenge.The Science Quest includes everything a teacher needs tobring successful instruction, including:* Extensive lesson planning and assessment tools* Suggestions on working with students in teams* Scores of sample lessons from varied disciplines

Preface ixAbout the Authors xvThe Contributors xix1 Rethinking How Science Is Taught 1Critical Thinking and Inquiry 1Understanding Student Inquiry/Discovery 3Teaching Strategies for Inquiry/Discovery Learning 52 Linking Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 15The Importance of Hands-On Activities 16Establishing Learning Goals 19Necessary Classroom Tools and Resources 21A Sample Lesson: Study of Archimedes' Principle 23Instruction Supporting Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 27Assessment in Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 31Summary 333 Introducing and Planning Inquiry/Discovery Lessons 35Building ''Rigor'' into Science Learning 36Understanding Levels of Student Responsibility: The Instructional Matrix 36The Instructional Matrix in Planning Science Lessons 39Designing Inquiry/Discovery Lesson Sequences 51Structuring Lessons to Best Meet the Potential of Students 60Summary 634 Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for Middle School 65Lesson I: Astronomy (Measuring Distances) 66Lesson 2: Study of Mass, Volume, and Density 78Lesson 3: Energy Conservation 82Summary 875 Inquiry/Discovery Lessons for High School 89Lesson 1: Energy, Work, and Power (Physics) 89Lesson 2: Study of Cell Sizes: A Simulation (Biology) 96Lesson 3: Effects of Chemicals on Metabolism (Biology and Chemistry) 100Lesson 4: Study of Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Water (Chemistry) 103Lesson 5: Study of Oxidation and Reduction (Chemistry/Geology) 110Summary 1146 Supportive Instruction in Language and Team Building 117The Scope of Inquiry/Discovery 117Implementing Higher-Order Student Questioning 122Working with Students in Teams 130Supportive Strategies for Students with Special Needs 135Service Learning as an Incentive for Inquiry/Discovery 135Integrating Language Arts and Science: Another Look 137Summary 1407 Assessment of Inquiry/Discovery and Content Learning 141Assessment Goals in Inquiry/Discovery Instruction 142Approaches to Assessment 143The Teacher's Shifting Roles in Inquiry/Discovery Assessment 154A Balance of Assessment Practices 159Summary 1618 Managing Inquiry/Discovery in the Classroom 163Homework 163Classroom Management 165Classroom Laboratory Essentials 168Putting It All Together 1739 Looking to the Future: The Globalization Challenge 175Support for Dedicated Teachers of Science 175Concluding Thought 177A Selected Classroom Resources 179B Writing Tools 183C Assessment Tools 185References 189Index 193