Describes a problem-based unit in which students are charged with the responsibility of discovering what killed the menhaden fish in a local river. Involves the teacher coaching students through the problem and directing them toward resources and lines of inquiry. Enables students to gain an understanding of their local environment and the…

Examines educational resistance to nature study, focusing on the subtle resistance evident in the vicarious approach that limits nature study to books and videos, while ignoring the sensory richness and kinship developed through direct connection with the natural world. Suggests that environmental science, citizen education, inquiry learning,…

Traces major directions of feminist inquiry in the disciplines of art history, art criticism, and aesthetics. Explores how first- and second-generation feminist scholars have challenged the canon of each discipline and the understanding of art traditionally produced. Draws implications for art education in curriculum development and teacher…

Examines how the strategies of cooperative learning complement inquiry into major global issues. Points out that most of the basic skills identified by Steven Lamy for a global education program are inquiry skills and that cooperative inquiry best serves these objectives. Maintains that cooperative learning empowers students and creates a…

This paper focuses on the philosophy and development of an inquiry-based, level three interactive videodisc project for promoting critical thinking. The contents of the project include life, earth/space, and physical science with three discs in each area. Two flowcharts show the choices open to students in the videodiscs. (Author/YP)

Discusses a variety of ways that teachers at all levels are using databases in their classrooms, how students respond to working with databases, the relationship of databases to inquiry learning, and how databases can be integrated into the curriculum. (RS)

Described is an introductory, nonscience majors biology course. Discussed are the goals and objectives of the course; the use of the learning cycle philosophy of teaching and learning; the use of classic experiments, textbooks, examinations; and the training of graduate teaching associates. (CW)

A course for life science and social science students at Hampshire College is a combination of mathematics and computer science. Through actively involving students in manipulations and simulations, their appreciation for the logical and aesthetic properties of mathematical tools and their capacity for the independent work is enhanced. (MLW)

A case study is presented of a science class for 10 underachieving gifted intermediate grade students. The paper describes how a focus on overcoming underachievement might conflict with the need for active, hands-on science activities. Suggestions are offered for integrating the goals of raising self-concept while developing skills of inquiry and…

Described are ways in which some teachers have used a software package called "The Geometric Supposer." The development of inquiry skills is stressed. Recommendations for students using the Supposer are provided. (CW)

Uses conic sections, trigonometric functions, and polar coordinates to solve the problem of determining the shape of a baseball outfield fence, given the distances along the foul lines and to straightaway center field. Graphing programs and calculators are utilized to plot different solutions. (MDH)

Describes a program that introduces students to hands-on, minds-on science and provides an opportunity to work on a project with a scientist-collaborator who uses their data in ongoing research. Introduces students to the rigors of science through the focus on data quality. Contains 21 references. (DDR)

Explains the functions of the Boreal Forest Watch including the scope, level of student involvement, goals, and nature of the data collection. Details student involvement at the forest site. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Discusses inquiry in light of new emphases on student centered learning and electronic information technology. Topics include controlled inquiry, guided inquiry, modeled inquiry, and free inquiry; relationships among inquiry, media literacy, information literacy, creative thinking, and critical thinking; standards for language arts; and science…

Describes the modeling of effective teaching and learning strategies (choosing a topic, finding and using information, timelines, journals, interventions, questions for peer editing, and conferencing questions) during an inquiry-based, student-centered "I-Search" unit taught by a high school library media specialist and an English teacher.…