Studies of a group of seventh-grade students who were tested for inquiry skills using the TAB Science Test showed no significant differences between those students who had studied the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) and those who studied another curriculum. (MLH)

Shares some strategies for encouraging students to notice their environment in the broadest sense through using the Socratic method. Focuses on specific examples with historical significance such as exploring the period of a pendulum. (DDR)

Describes the development and implementation of an investigative laboratory class. The new laboratory design has been determined to be a success by faculty, teaching assistants, and students. Includes a sample laboratory description. (DKM)

Describes chemistry laboratory experiments that can be done with student-designed investigations. Suggests approaches for restructuring traditional chemistry laboratories. (DKM)

Details an investigation concerned with the composition of a grape to illustrate how food and nutrition topics can drive inquiry-oriented science learning. Students design experiments that surround the development of a fictitious new beverage. (DDR)

Presents a unit on motion that allows students to apply what they learn from doing hands-on, minds-on activities, a key component of the National Science Education Standards. Also includes examples of the assessment instrument. (DDR)

Presents ideas for brief, exciting trips that can be organized on any campus to view lithologic, geomorphic, meteorologic, and biotic phenomena. Enables students to cultivate powers of observation and inquiry. Discusses the following topics: rocks and minerals, weathering, microlandforms, weather and daytime astronomy, biogeography and soils, and…

Reviews the general literature on cooperative learning in science at both the secondary and postsecondary level and the use of cooperative learning in the college chemistry laboratory. Discusses the use of cooperative learning with other instructional techniques such as the use of computers, multimedia, and inquiry-based instruction. (JRH)

Explores the recent scandal concerning Canadian paratroopers' conduct during the United Nations relief and peacekeeping efforts. Three soldiers from an elite commando unit tortured and murdered an unarmed Somali teenager. Government investigation of this incident has focused on racist ideology, socialization of recruits, and chain-of-command…

Describes a study that compares the performance of introductory physics students on two examination problems. One problem is qualitative and similar to those used in an inquiry approach. The second problem is a typical quantitative problem. Those students enrolled in the inquiry-based introductory course performed significantly better than those…

Describes a walkabout program that a sixth-grade teacher developed for her students from several models designed for older students. The program's basic structure revolves around five areas of personal development: adventure, creative expression, local inquiry, practical skills, and service. This voluntary program's success hinges on developing…

Describes an inservice professional development program, Project LIFE (Laboratory Investigations and Field Experiences), that has successfully implemented guidelines from the National Science Education Standards. Includes a three-week summer course; an independent science research project; academic year follow-up through workshops, classroom…

Describes a series of hands-on experiments that engage students in hypothesis testing and promotes active learning of the concepts of evolution and adaptation. Laboratory exercises demonstrate how features of the hands and eyes distinguish primates from other mammals. (SOE)

Recommends phasing as an effective approach for training future science teachers in inquiry-based teaching. The phasing philosophy originated with middle school science teachers and is presented in four phases. (DDR)