INSES Chapter 1 & 2

In this article they define inquiry as "the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work" (INSES). A way to start this is to compare the thinking process with an inquiry based lesson. For example the geologist who was mapping the dead trees along the coast. He took the information he saw, began asking questions, and starting drawing information from his previous experiences and knowledge. When the geologist collected such explanations from his experience he then collected data. As humans we are always curious and trying to find out the unknown. We use high levels of thinking skills in our daily lives which is referred to as inquiry.

"One of the best ways to understand school science as inquiry is through a visit to a classroom where scientific inquiry is practiced" (INSES). "We noticed something about the trees on the playground. What's wrong with them?" (INSES). I think this example of Mrs. Graham's fifth grade class is a great vision of what inquiry is like in a science classroom. Mrs. Graham allowed her students to bring up the concern about trees and talk about it instead of telling them they will learn about it later. Both the geologist and the students started off with a question and came up with an explanation for their observations based on their knowledge. This is allowing the students to have a hands-on experience, and since they brought it up they are interested in the subject matter.

"The (inquiry) standards seek to build student understanding of how we know what we know and what evidence supports what we know" (INSES). Students have to inquire what they know and the inquiry process will add to the students knowledge. Students need to be engaged in this inquiry process in order to have a deeper understanding of its characteristics.

There is a lot that goes into the inquiry process but it is important in the education of science. The process allows students to participate instead of being lectured on material. In elementary school it engages students through hands-on activities and their interests.