Modeling is a core practice in science and is a meaningful way to learn the subject. This article introduces a modeling-based approach that highlights the idea that modeling is an iterative process and integrates the fundamental parts of scientists' work and key suggestions for teaching through modeling. The lesson "The Structure and Function…

This study examined the effect of design-based science instruction (DBSI) on sixth grade students' science achievement, as well as their development in relation to science process skills. 213 sixth grade students from three public schools participated in the study. A pilot was conducted in the unit of Systems of the Human Body and the main study…

Science process skills are an important part of scientific inquiry that need to be monitored so that pupils can improve their skills to do science. Although there are several science process skills tests mentioned in the literature, we decided to develop an online one in order to improve the usefulness of the test and enable autoscoring to reduce…

The objectives of this research are: (1) to develop a flipped classroom learning plan using inquiry-based learning on the topic of substance separation for Grade 8 students, to achieve effectiveness according to the 75/75 criteria; (2) to compare science process skills and learning achievement before and after implementing the developed learning…

In this small, mixed methods pilot study twenty-three 5th graders and two 6th graders from a large, urban middle school in the Northeast United States were given Accountable Talk (AT) sentence stems to use during a series of academically productive talk (APT) in their science classrooms over a 2-week period in the Spring of 2024. The goal of the…

Recent research suggests that integrating model-based learning and socioscientific issue based instruction helps students construct meaningful learning in science classrooms. Thus, this paper presents a unit plan that integrates model-based learning and socioscientific issues. The focus of the unit is the white butterfly which is a local pest. A…

This qualitative case study investigated how computational models can help students engage in scientific practice and influence their emotional, epistemic, and conceptual aspects. Twenty-four sixth-graders were guided to conduct scientific practices as they predicted and modified the computational models on food web using StarLogo Nova. Three…

This research focuses on "BioScientist," a digital game-based, inquiry-based learning program embedded in the biology curriculum that develops inquiry skills in 8th-grade students. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a combination of elements of digital game-based learning (DGBL) with inquiry-based learning (IBL) through…

Purpose: A health learning program relying on the scientific method was designed to promote reducing the intake of foods high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat in a group of school-aged children. Design/methodology/approach: The scientific method was a core approach for creating intervention activities. We conducted mixed-methods research…

This small-scale, qualitative study uses educational design research to explore how focusing on argumentation may contribute to students' learning to engage in inquiry independently. Understanding inquiry as the construction of a scientifically cogent argument in support of a claim may encourage students to develop personal reasons for adhering to…

This paper examines how practicing teachers approach and evaluate students' critical thinking processes in science, using the implementation of an online, inquiry-based investigation in middle school classrooms as the context for teachers' observations. Feedback and ratings from three samples of science teachers were analysed to determine how they…

This paper reports the findings of the second year of a four-year empirical research project. Its aim is to modify 'step-by-step' instructions for practical activities in a way that may enable the development of experimental design skills among junior high school learners. Each school year pupils spend six lessons doing practical activities using…

Being scientifically literate is an essential twenty-first century skill for every individual navigating today's complex world and science inquiry skills are seen as an important capability of a scientific literate person. However, teaching science inquiry skills requires specific competences and is often challenging for teachers. Understanding…

Systems thinking (ST) is an essential competence for future life and biology learning. Appropriate assessment is critical for collecting sufficient information to develop ST in biology education. This research offers an ST framework based on a comprehensive understanding of biological systems, encompassing four skills across three complexity…

The purpose of this mixed-method action research study was to improve Black students' performance in my sixth-grade science class by improving their ability to use the claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) framework. Using criterion-based convenient sampling, I enlisted 17 Black participants, all of whom were underperforming in my science class at…