What is Science Scientific Inquiry Learning Science by

What is Science? Scientific Inquiry: Learning Science by Doing Science The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

What Is Science Literacy? n Able to view the natural and human-made worlds with understanding. n Understand that “facts” are not enough. n Understand scientific patterns of thought. n Able to use scientific information to understand solve human problems. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Why Do We Need Science? n n n Science and technology have changed the ways we work, communicate and view the world. Most jobs require some technological expertise. Science is important for informed decisionmaking in everyday life. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Are We Meeting Students’ Needs? n n n Most US high school students cannot apply science knowledge, design a simple experiment, or explain the reasoning behind their answers to science questions. By 8 th grade, US students score only about average in science (based on a study of 41 countries). In all grades, “at risk” students attain lower science achievement levels. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

National Science Education Standards n Science is for all students. n Learning science is an active process. n n School science reflects traditions of contemporary science. Improving science is part of system wide educational reform. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Standards Development n n Developed by working groups of scientists, teachers and other educators. Review and critique was requested of more than 250 organizations and 18, 000 individuals. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Standards n Science teaching n Professional development for teachers n Assessment at all levels n Science content n Science programs n Science education systems The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Science the Old-fashioned Way n Students read aloud from texts. n Students memorize long lists. n Content presented in lectures. n Tests require rote recall. n n Lab experiences merely confirm what students have read or been told. Goal of assessment is to grade students. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Change in Approach Less n n n n n Lectures Individual learning Knowing facts Many topics Short investigations Cookbook science Getting an answer Assessing discrete knowledge Teacher as technician The Nature of Science More n n n n n Investigation of questions Cooperative learning Understanding concepts Fewer topics (in depth) Long-term investigations Learning by doing Interpreting evidence Assessing understanding Teacher as reflective leader www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Inquiry n Understanding of “how science works” n Set of abilities (student can “do” science) n Instructional approach (a way of teaching science) The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Understanding of How Science Works n Not all questions are scientific. n n n Scientists use a variety of approaches. n n n “Which toothpaste is best? ” “What is the meaning of life? ” Observational/Descriptive Experimental Comparative Assumption of cause-and-effect relationships. Scientific explanations are tentative, limited, and based on evidence. Science relies on mathematics and technology. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Inquiry Abilities: National Science Education Standards for Grades 9 -12 n Identify questions and concepts that guide science. n Design and conduct scientific investigations. n Use technology and math to improve investigations and for communication. n Recognize alternative explanations and models. n Communicate and defend a scientific argument. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Inquiry: An Approach to Teaching and Learning n n Questions posed by the students or by the teacher. Students are given data or collect and analyze their own data. Students use evidence to build an explanation (with or without guidance). Students communicate explanations using their own formats, or formats and procedures that have been given to them. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

Learning Cycle Models n n n Exploration, Invention, Discovery (SCIS) Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation (BSCS) Focus, Explore, Reflect, Apply (NSRC) The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

“Five E” Learning Cycle: Engage n Initiates the learning task. n Connects past and present learning experiences. n Creates interest and generates curiosity. n Uncovers students’ current knowledge (preassessment). The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

“Five E” Learning Cycle: Explore n n Provides students with a common base of experiences. Gives opportunities for creative thinking and skills development. Students test predictions and form new predictions and hypotheses. Students record observations and ideas. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

“Five E” Learning Cycle: Explain n n Students demonstrate conceptual understanding, skills and behaviors. Students listen critically to others’ explanations. Students develop vocabulary through applications of concepts. Students learn to apply evidence. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

“Five E” Learning Cycle: Elaborate n n n Challenges and extends students’ conceptual understanding and skills. Students use previous information to ask questions, propose solutions, make decisions. Students apply concepts and skills to new situations. The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org

“Five E” Learning Cycle: Evaluate n n Students demonstrate understanding of a concept or skills. Students evaluate own progress. Teachers evaluate students’ and their own progress. Relies on alternate strategies for assessment (should be matched to pre-assessment). The Nature of Science www. Bio. Ed. Online. org