Effective Inquiry Instruction Using Technology MSA 2012 Kirsten Devlin, Magnet Theme Coach

Introduction/Contact Handouts WikiSpace: www.environmentalsciences.wikispaces.org • Webite: www.environmentalsciencesmagnet.org Kirsten Devlin, Magnet Theme Coach tambk001@hartfordschools.org 440 Broadview Terrace Hartford, CT 06106 860-695-3760

ESM Located in Hartford, CT. Serves Prek-8th grade Currently 350 students. Next year 600. 6 hours of weekly of science in each grade level plus an environmental sciences elective. 2 resident scientists- on staff full time. Facilities include: aquatics lab, butterfly vivarium, science interactive theater, greenhouse, nature trail

What is Inquiry? making observation posing questions examining books and other sources of information to see what is already known in light of experimental evidence using tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data proposing answers, explanations, and predictions; communicating the results. Inquiry requires identification of assumptions, use of critical and logical thinking, and consideration of alternative explanations. ~1996 National Science Education Standards

5-E Model FIVE PHASES OF 5-E MODEL Engagement Exploration Explanation Elaboration Evaluation (Carin, Bass & Contant, 2005)

Another Simplified Model Exploration Investigation/Experimentation Communication ~Based on Exploratorium Institute of inquiry

Inquiry continuum Misconception: Inquiry is a completely student driven process. Actually can be broken into 4 levels:

So how can technology help this process? Engaging for many students Efficient Accurate Able to recreate and revise many parts of the process Simulate experiences

Let’s Explore Make a T- chart I notice/I wonder Watch the simulation and write at least 3 of each. NOAA Visualizations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ual22znKM10 I notice I wonder

Examples of “notices” from grades 3/4 I notice that the hurricanes are named I notice that hurricanes are named alphabetically I notice that the hurricanes spin the same direction every time. I notice that hurricanes start at the bottom of the screen and move to the top.

Examples of “wonders” grades 3/4 I wonder where the names come from? I wonder how big the biggest hurricane is? I wonder why they spin in the same direction? I wonder why they start in the south? I wonder why they seem to just appear? How do they start?

Next Steps…moving towards experimenting/investigation Use the web to answer the questions that are high interest but knowledge level concepts.http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/tropical.php Answer these questions to hook students even more. Allows you set up the questions you really want them to answer. This form of guided inquiry still allows students to own their questions while narrows questioning to align with teacher’s goals.

Experimenting/Investigating Pose the wonder questions that guide them through content. Bring in hands-on/minds-on activities that break down the concept. Example: I wonder how hurricanes form? hands-on activities: convection currents in water, contained convection currents in air, low pressure/high pressure activities etc. Connect to analyzing the tracks of hurricanes and looking at ocean temperatures. (Google Earth) http://www.srh.noaa.gov/gis/kml/

Experimenting/Investigating Bringing in texts and videos to build concept JASON Storm Tracker to further develop the concept and solidify http://www.jason.org/gated/content/formats/digitallab/DigitalLabsAndGames.aspx http://www.jason.org/public/WhatIs/CurrOMSGames.aspx http://www.jason.org/gated/digital_library/pages/DigitalLibraryResourceView.aspx?rpid=1355

Communicate Wikispaces as a tool to communicate on wind and pressure http://tworiverswindmuseum.wikispaces.com/Class+4+Wind http://tworiversscience.wikispaces.com/message/view/Class+1/24220767

Communicating Lab reports-Microsoft office and the like Podcasts-Audacity Wikispaces Social Network sites: Edmodo

Engagement Examples Using Ipads with Prek-2nd grade The Nature of ESM Book Fine tune observation skills.

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Other Examples BridgeBuilder: Free simulation software http://bridgecontest.usma.edu/index.htm

Algodoo: Used to have free version. Now get on demo http://www.algodoo.com/wiki/Home More communication with Wiki’s: http://tworiversscience.wikispaces.com/message/view/Class+1/24369261

Ipad/Ipod Apps Free and foster Inquiry: NASA Evernote Evernote Peek google earth Project Noah Mars globe Brainpop 3D Cellstain Planets Weatherbug Leafsnap

Free & Awesome! Journey North NOAA Discovery School NASA Discovery Kids Fossweb (climate weather) Teachersdomain

Online Pay Resources Most reliable Usually worth their money if utilized Encyclopedia Britannica- many options for leveled readers Gizmos- Log on: AWS- GLOBE-GIS United Streaming Brainpop