What is Scientific Inquiry & How Do I Teach It? - Eva Varga

Scientific inquiry refers to the activities through which students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world.  In many classrooms and homeschool families, students enjoy fun science demonstrations that feature hands-on activities that help bring the exciting world of science to life.  Unfortunately, many of these science experiences are canned lessons that do not require them to apply their skills and understanding of the scientific concepts.

Inquiry-based instruction often represents a new and complex classroom situation for teachers and students.  Both need the time to gradually make a transition from the more classical type activities and lectures, to more open-ended activities characteristic of inquiry-based instruction.

I have shared a series of posts that address the scientific method, science process skills, and science as inquiry. In the series, I address several key misconceptions about science and share with you examples of how to easily modify existing cook-book activities for a more inquiry based instructional approach.

1. The Process of Discovery
2. Importance of Inquiry
3. Transitioning to Inquiry Based Instruction

I hope you will enjoy this series of posts and find it useful as you develop science experiences with your children.