Describes a virtual experiment designed to introduce students to the theory and application of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the mean electrical axis (MEA). Students are asked to reduce and analyze data, calculate and plot the MEA, and answer questions in the inquiry-based, experimental activity. (Author/WRM)

Describes a laboratory experience for upper-level science students that provides a hands-on approach to understanding the basics of experimental physiology. Students design an experiment to determine the relative importance of dilution of plasma proteins in the overall renal excretory response following volume expansion with intravenous saline.…

Describes a multiage classroom of 7-, 8-, and 9-year olds, with the days structured in inquiry cycles. Describes goals for learners, creating a curriculum framework, establishing a context for learning; and talking, questioning, and inviting inquiry. Describes the daily planning circle, periods of exploration that follow, reflections in the…

Reports on the Quality University Elementary Science Teaching (QUEST) program. Focuses on changes in how teachers enable student conceptual understanding of science, how students modify their views of scientific inquiry during instruction, and how teachers value the use of technology in science instruction. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Provides a set of macro-experiments designed to improve students' intuitive understanding of physics and motivation for learning physics. Students become part of the experimental apparatus and experience the physical phenomena firsthand. (DDR)

Based on the principle that all genuine education comes about through experience, John Dewey's ideas are particularly relevant to the theory and practice of museum education. Comments on Dewey's book "Experience and Education" in hopes of giving it wider readership. Major ideas from each chapter are summarized along with comments on…

Discusses search strategy, strategies for understanding information, and instructional strategies as they relate to information literacy. Topics include orientation to sources and services; awareness of key literature; critical thinking and problem solving; inquiry; reading comprehension to enhance understanding; and strategies used by proficient…

Discusses four issues that should guide the process of selecting technology for history and social studies classrooms: why use technology in these classrooms; what works best; what hazards should be avoided; and how the adoption and development of best practices can be encouraged and supported. Six recommendations for future efforts are presented.…

Considers how if students' curiosity is dismissed, children can develop passivity and grow into unquestioning adults, the opposite of most educators' goal of helping children develop into lifelong learners. Claims that inquiry: flourishes in highly structured classrooms; involves building personal background knowledge and using materials wisely;…

Considers how due to the emphasis of reading, writing, and math, low-performing students are pulled from their regular classes for one-on-one tutorial sessions, restricting their exposure to group discussions and activities that encourage higher-order thinking skills. Suggests a reshaping of remedial curricula based on six guidelines. (SG)

An ethnographic study examined the engagement and learning of five students with learning disabilities participating in Guided Inquiry supporting Multiple Literacies (GisML). A case study illustrates how GisML helped one 4th grader achieve positive outcomes, how GisML also revealed his learning problems, and how contextual features served both to…

Describes the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) and explains the reasons for a curriculum change. Introduces CAPT-style labs which require students to identify a problem, ask questions, develop a hypothesis, design and conduct an experiment, analyze data, and draw conclusions. (YDS)

Describes how a teacher's stance of wonder, curiosity, and exploration during use of hypothetical inquiry situations served as a way for the teacher to address goals for students to be more vocal members of the learning community, encourage critical and creative thinking students, and provide them with meaningful context-rich opportunities for…

Discusses using web sites to develop active inquiry lessons that mimic some of the tasks and thought processes scientists use everyday. The exercises available at the web sites are designed to develop science process skills and convey basic course content. Exercises stress the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. (Author/SAH)

Presents an exercise that provides students with opportunities to experience scientific inquiry skills. (ASK)