http://xkcd.com/911/

What are you wondering now?

What Inquirers Do * Make observations using your senses * Ask questions * Use tools * Draw pictures and write labels * Experiment and solve problems * Research ideas * Work with others * Communicate findings * Be patient

Keys to a good inquiry based activity *Simple materials *Pairs or small groups for communication and new ideas *Questioning checkpoints for longer activities *Well structured handout with lots of space for students to write/draw their answers *Lots of questions asking students to describe what they see and explain it in their own words *Flexible

Keys to a good inquiry based activity (con’t) *Answer questions with questions (point out things that don’t make sense, try to identify misconceptions, ask whether each observation fits their predictions, help them make connections) *Enough time to explore *Aim to convey scientific concepts (the big picture) not just isolated facts. * Use technology to research, practice and present * Assess using rubrics

Ideas for Managing an Inquiry Classroom * start small * give yourself time to plan - collaborate * have a place for student wonderings - wonder wall - inquiry notebook * materials are accessible to students - allows for a choice in strategies - develops independence

Ideas for Managing an Inquiry Classroom (con’t) * practice - expectations - questioning techniques - transition signal/attention getter * find resources - parents, school staff and teachers - store room - grants, PTA stipends * set up seating to foster collaboration * have time for reflection - students and teacher * encourage at-home exploration * foster respect