 Inquiry is a multifaceted activity that involves making observations; posing questions; examining…sources of information to see what is already known; planning and conducting investigations; reviewing what is already [known]; using tools to analyze, and interpret data; proposing answers; explanations and predictions; and communicating results.  National Academy of Science, 1996

 “Inquiry is a simple three-syllable word that requires a paragraph to explain and a vision to make it real.”  National Science Foundation, 1997

 Students’ curiosity about their world motivates their desire for education  Curiosity means exploration, investigation  Leading students into primary sources empowers their ability to learn, and to follow their interests

Inquiry-based learning makes education more like the PROCESS of learning IBL models emphasize not only WHAT we know but HOW we know it.

 Inquiry teaching leads students through the experience of inquiry.  Our “experience of inquiry” surrounds a project.  According to Stuessy & Thomas (1998), Students build their understandings through direct experience with materials, by consulting resources that include experts, and through argument and debate among themselves.

 Observations and questions  Hands-on experiences  Reflecting on what they have observed or measured to make meaning from their experiences  Applying and extending their findings to new questions or problems

 When did were the photos taken?  Why? By Whom?  What is different from today?  What would it be like today without this item/event?  Who is missing?  What is surprising?  What does this remind you of?

 Exploring, adventure, reading the evidence, and following the lead are exciting storylines  The Library of Congress’s mammoth website is rich in sources from the humanities, the arts, music, drama, geography, anthropology, and the sciences  Students can use sources from across many disciplines to find answers, and to ask new questions

 Directed inquiry - teacher guides students along  Guided inquiry - teacher sets up a structured experience for the students  Open inquiry – project-based and problem-based learning; students identify questions; students determine what to do and how to do it

 Assess prior knowledge  Ask guiding questions, without providing answers. (“Wait time” is important.)  Arrange classroom to promote collaboration  Provide opportunities for open-ended investigations  Model analysis techniques  Foster reflection and critical thinking skills  Provide real-world connections and integration with other subjects

1) Connecting past knowledge and experiences with a problem 2) Investigating problems through research 3) Designing a pathway to find an answer to a problem 4) Constructing meaning through evidence and analysis