Natural Science Inquiry SCI 201 Section 1 / UNST 286 Section A Instructor: Scott Blackwood, Ph.D. Graduate TA: Erin Tirone

Inquiry-based learning  What is “inquiry”?  A process of gaining information through questioning  An approach to learning we use in daily life  What is “inquiry-based learning”?  Inquiry-based learning is a type of instruction whereby students gain knowledge through developing, conducting and presenting research.

Passive v. inquiry-based learning: a comparison PASSIVE LEARNING  Listening, note-taking  Memorization  Science made (textbooks)  Answer oriented  Teacher centered  Individual  Content as an end in itself  Decontextualized INQUIRY-BASED  Hands-on involvement  Skill building  Science in the making  Process oriented  Student centered  Cooperative  Content as a means to an end  Relevant

What is science? Main Entry: sci·ence Pronunciation: 'sI-&n(t)s Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin scientia, from scient-, sciens having knowledge, from present participle of scire to know; probably akin to Sanskrit chyati he cuts off, Latin scindere to split -- Date: 14th century 1 : the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding 2 a : a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study b : something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge 3 a : knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method b : such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : NATURAL SCIENCE

The scientific method Observation Design test Conduct test Manage & analyze data Reject or accept hypothesis Interpret results Communicate findings Hypothesis ?

Project 1 Design test Conduct test Manage & analyze data Communicate findings Reject or accept hypothesis

The scientific method Observation Design test Conduct test Manage & analyze data Reject or accept hypothesis Interpret results Communicate findings Hypothesis ?

Project 2 Interpret results Communicate findings

The scientific method Observation Design test Conduct test Manage & analyze data Reject or accept hypothesis Interpret results Communicate findings Hypothesis ?

Project 3 Observation Design test Communicate findings Hypothesis ?

Final Project Observation Design test Conduct test Manage & analyze data Reject or accept hypothesis Interpret results Communicate findings Hypothesis ?

Course goals Gain experience working both independently and collaboratively Learn the basic ‘tools of the trade’ Develop critical and analytical thinking skills (be skeptical, think for yourself!)