Discusses inquiry-oriented science instruction and experientially based programs that support newer instructional strategies. Also provides examples of six process-oriented programs (Cat Lab, Geology Search, Rocky's Boots, Tell Star, Volcanoes, What's in Your Lunch?). Level, hardware needed, publisher, and description are provided for each…

Describes the utilization of database management as a inquiry tool to aid higher-level thinking in a fourth-grade American Indian studies course. (MBR)

Teaching the large introductory science course is a challenge, but when the objective is seen not as covering the field but uncovering part of it to illustrate principles common to the whole, the facts are no longer the end result but tools with which the disciplines can be further explored. (Author/MSE)

Described is a mini-investigation model, which elementary social studies teachers can use to help students acquire and process information when writing reports. In their investigation of a topic, students must ask the right questions, list possible resources, and develop a product, e.g., poster, news article. (RM)

Performance of 100 middle school students during and immediately after instruction showed that (1) students exposed to pre-instructional concept lessons have a higher achievement rate, (2) the Taba and the inquiry methods yield better performances than the expository method, and (3) field independent students are somewhat superior to field…

The Social Studies Department at Argo Community High School felt a need to provide its students with a viable alternative to the traditional course offerings in the social studies curriculum. A one semester trial course entitled Individual and Society was described. (Author/RK)

Drawing on research evidence from across the world, this book offers a wide-ranging perspective on the ways in which we understand and study young children. The book summarizes current debates in child development, and looks at different ways of understanding early childhood and the various methods used to gain understanding, featuring: (1)…

This study examined the efficacy and outcomes expectancy of elementary preservice teachers related to using a WebQuest strategy to develop inquiry skills among elementary students. The findings of this study show that students in the experimental section of a group of preservice elementary teachers enrolled in a science methods course demonstrated…

This book is designed for middle school students to learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event-based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork, independent research, hands-on investigations, and…

This book is designed for middle school life science or physical science teachers to help their students learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event- based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork,…

This book is designed for middle school earth science or physical science teachers to help their students learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event- based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork,…

This guide was developed to encourage excellence in education, help educators meet standards, and integrate environmental education programs into school district curricula in Alaska. Educational activities are active, inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, and connected to real-world applications. The following evaluation criteria for standards-based…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has produced a distance learning series of four 60-minute video programs with an accompanying Web site and companion teacher guide. This teacher guide accompanies the second video in the series. The story line of each program involves six ethnically diverse, inquisitive schoolchildren who…

This study examined the influence of reflective journal writing, paired with inquiry-based science instruction, on preservice elementary teachers' beliefs about science and science teaching. Participants actively interacted with scientific ideas and phenomena in class. They kept daily reflection journals, reacting to statements from various…

The purpose of this research report is to describe some of the findings from a study of teacher investigations of students' work. The intent of the teacher investigations was for teachers to interpret their students' thinking as revealed on non-routine, thought-revealing mathematical tasks, known as Case Studies for Kids (Lesh, Hoover, Hole, Kelly…