We report on the development of a middle school life sciences inquiry module, Sensing the Environment. This "data-enriched" inquiry module includes a series of activities exploring the nature of science, photosynthesis, transpiration, and natural selection, which culminates in students' querying authentic environmental data to support a scientific…

Points out the rapid advances in biology, increasing bioethical issues, and how students need to make rational decisions. Introduces a value inquiry model development that includes identifying and clarifying value problems; understanding biological knowledge related to conflict situations; considering, selecting, and evaluating each alternative;…

Compares inquiry teaching practices with the more recent classroom approaches generated by scholarship on women and feminist theory. Develops the concept of feminist pedagogy and illustrates its practice in a unit on western settlement from a United States history course. (JDH)

Indicates the importance of preparing prospective teachers who will be elementary science teachers with different methods. Presents the theoretical and practical rationale for developing a constructivist-based elementary science methods course. Discusses the impact student knowledge and understanding of science and student attitudes has on…

With an acute awareness of learning problems among inner-city students, the teachers in New Haven, Connecticut, modified their courses to relate to the opportunities and challenges of modern education. They reorganized the traditional, year-long, survey history courses into quarter miniunits which emphasize the inquiry approach to analyzing…

Examines social studies in the twenty-first century from a critical theory perspective. Traces critical reflection's origins from Marxist educational theories to Jurgen Habermas's critical theory. Highlights Fred Newmann's curricular model, "Education for Citizen Action," for developing competent action in public affairs. Advocates…

The purpose of this study is to identify trends in the historical development of inquiry and common elements in models of inquiry; evaluate the extent to which inquiry theory has been incorporated in representative inquiry oriented social studies curriculum project materials; and examine problems in curriculum development for inquiry skills. To…

Teaching is a complex, ongoing endeavor that involves a myriad of decisions. NCTM's Sixty-Sixth Yearbook is organized around three aspects of teaching: foundations for teaching, the enactment of teaching, and the support of teaching nurtured in preservice education and strengthened throughout a teacher's career. The accompanying professional…