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

2. Introduction/Contact
Handouts
WikiSpace:
• Webite:
Kirsten Devlin, Magnet Theme Coach
440 Broadview Terrace Hartford, CT

3. 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

4. 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. 5-E Model FIVE PHASES OF 5-E MODEL Engagement Exploration Explanation
Elaboration
Evaluation
(Carin, Bass & Contant, 2005)

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

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

8. 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

9. Let’s Explore Make a T- chart I notice/I wonder
Watch the simulation and write at least 3 of each.
NOAA Visualizations:
I notice
I wonder

10. 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.

11. 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?

12. Next Steps…moving towards experimenting/investigation
Use the web to answer the questions that are high interest but knowledge level concepts.
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.

13. 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)

14. Experimenting/Investigating
Bringing in texts and videos to build concept
JASON Storm Tracker to further develop the concept and solidify

15. Communicate Wikispaces as a tool to communicate on wind and pressure

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

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

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19. Other Examples BridgeBuilder: Free simulation software

20. Algodoo: Used to have free version. Now get on demo
More communication with Wiki’s:

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

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

23. 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