1. Student Mini-Proposals
Kristin sci-I mini proposal logistics activity COME BACK TO FLIP CHART ABOUT THEIR QUESTIONS.
Teachers participate in an activity to help see how to help students with the mini-proposal to mimic the process of science to help students understand better the process of science and be successful in the tasks you are asking them to do.
Narrowing a question about a topic area down to a question that can actually be investigated and answered using data is a huge accomplishment and challenge (for scientists too). Questions that are investigated by scientists are called testable.

2. Traditional, structured, laboratory activities
Inquiry-based science investigations
Basis of learning
Behaviorist
Constructivist
Curricular goals
Product-oriented
Process-oriented
Role of students
Following directions
Problem solver / arguer
Student participation
Passive / receptive
Active
Student ownership of project
Lower
Higher
Student involvement
Lower responsibility
Higher responsibility
Role of teacher
Director / transmitter
Guide / facilitators
Time required
There are times and places for each of these kinds of science activities, but with this project we are focusing on the inquiry-based science investigations…

3. Open-ended investigations
Problem is ill-defined
Allows students to experience uncertainties and ambiguities when drawing conclusions
Starts at current knowledge state of students
Requires students to talk to each other about their project work both during and after
Offers opportunity for students to draw on expertise of others or suitable resource
Some aspects of open inquiry…

4. Aiming for level of inquiry 2 or 3
Problems
Procedures
Conclusions
Given 1
Open 2 3
And more specifically we are hoping for open-inquiry (level 3) or at least level 2 for the students to experience as much of the process of science as scientists conduct it as possible.
Aiming for level of inquiry 2 or 3

5. Student Mini-proposals
As a group review and discuss student mini-proposal
Talk through feedback form
Think about what to front load with students
Before we go any farther, let’s take a moment to look at a few student mini-proposals and the feedback form. Do in small groups and then reflect as a whole group as to what they can front load with their students to help them be successful with the mini-proposals. (15 minutes)