"I Wonder" boards are a teaching strategy that can be used in the classroom, as well as during science learning opportunities in nonformal settings, such as after-school science programs or summer camps.This simple strategy has led to deeper science exploration in 4-H, as young people learn alongside program staff, teachers, or…

Elementary students make great scientists. They are natural questioners and observers. Capitalizing on this natural curiosity and wonderment, the authors have developed a method of doing inquiry investigations with students that many teachers have found practical and user friendly. Their belief is that full inquiry lessons serve as a vital method…

"The Dirty Water Challenge" is a fun activity that teaches children about their environment in an engaging and practical way. Inquiry is embedded within the practical--students have to design, plan, and then build their own design of water filter. Students are exposed to important concepts from a variety of scientific disciplines, including how…

Provides an explanation of guided inquiry. Questioning techniques, time involved, and inferences drawn from guided inquiry are discussed with applications for the elementary science classroom. (DS)

Describes opportunities for inquiry-based science learning which can be found in a picture, a set of comparative data, a table, an article, or a phenomenon that illustrates a space/time relationship. Provides a general model of inquiry. (RT)

Provides a set of guidelines and useful examples to help teachers assess the effectiveness of inquiry investigations. The authors focus on seven issues: (1) meaningful and accurate learning; (2) time; (3) cost; (4) safety; (5) level of difficulty; (6) preparation procedures; and (7) science activity resources. (ZWH)