Reports on an exploratory study of how people see and explain a prominent exhibit (Tornado) at an interactive science museum (the Exploratorium). Data was assembled using a novel, technically mediated activity system (Video Traces). Argues that Video Traces is an effective tool and discusses an expanded Video Traces system. (Author/DKM)

The Seven E Teaching Model combines the inquiry method, multiple intelligences, and student-centered learning as a way to structure science instruction. The seven E's are Expectation, Enticement, Engagement, Explanation, Exploration, Extension, and Evidence. Includes suggestions for assessment. (DKM)

Being truly literate means being able to navigate the multiple sign systems of our world--to respond appropriately to an e-mail message or to convey meaning to others through images and text. Instead of relying on written narrative texts, teachers must develop inquiry-based methods, using experiential learning projects, oral storytelling, film and…

In a science class of 43 Turkish eighth-graders, an experimental group performed investigative lab activities; controls used worksheets. Although the pretest showed similar logical thinking ability, after 5 weeks of instruction the experimental group had significantly higher science achievement scores. (SK)

Discusses the challenges of scaling out university-developed, project-based science curricula. Investigates what constitutes and why implement inquiry-based, project focused learning environments; the role of integrating technology to support their implementation; the value of engaging in design experiments for their development; the importance of…

Presents a brine shrimp activity designed for students in grades 5-12 to foster authentic scientific inquiry in addition to providing an engaging and exciting avenue for student exploration. Emphasizes that inquiry should be a critical component in the science classroom. (KHR)

Discusses student resistance to classroom participation and immersion based on personal experience and suggests an alternative approach for discourse and inquiry. (YDS)

Illustrates the efficacy of an approach for collecting and analyzing family conversational data at museums and other informal settings. Examines data from three families which focus on conversation centered on biological themes, specifically adaptation. Analyzes inquiry skills used in making sense of science content. Offers educators…

Describes a science activity entitled "Investigating Fermentation," which uses a digital camera for data collection purposes. Uses a standards-based inquiry approach and explains the procedure. (YDS)

Uses graphs to involve students in inquiry-based population investigations on the Wisconsin gray wolf. Requires students to predict future changes in the wolf population, carrying capacity, and deer population. (YDS)

Describes current debates over the nature of science in the science curriculum. Illustrates the subtle ways in which epistemological portrayals have been influenced with regard to the public's relationship with institutional science in the United States by using the curricular ideas of John Dewey and Joseph Schwab as an historical perspective.…

Describes how the question-finding strategy teaches students to search for questions embedded in the text or "hidden" within the subtext. Notes that the skills of question-finding can be applied to any content area that uses resources and materials that stimulate inquiry learning. (SG)

Discusses collaboration between school librarians and teachers and describes teacher inquiry groups, based on those at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The focus of the inquiry group is to examine individual lessons and use them as points of entry for understanding teaching methods and improving instructional practices.…

Investigates the influence of an explicit and reflective inquiry-oriented instructional approach compared with an implicit inquiry-oriented approach on sixth grade students' understanding of the nature of science (NOS). Emphasizes tentative, empirical, inferential, and imaginative and creative NOS. Involves (n=62) sixth grade students in two…

Compares two laboratory treatments: (1) Constructing and Applying the Concepts of Physics (CACP) which is guided-inquiry; and (2) Toys in Motion (TIM) which focuses on problem solving skills and design work. Discusses the two laboratory courses and assessment procedures. (YDS)