Inquiry

[|Show Me The Strategies] A list of strategies for teachers to incorporate inquiry in their classrooms. [|Institute for Inquiry] Created in response to widespread interest in inquiry-based science instruction, the Exploratorium Institute for Inquiry provides workshops, programs, on-line support, and an intellectual community for inquiry learning. This website includes many resources for teachers interested in inquiry-based teaching. [|A Rubric for selecting Inquiry-Based Activities] This rubric is for teachers who are selecting inquiry-based science activities for their classes. It includes a comprehensive checklist for assessing instructional materials. This resource is intended for use in the classroom by K-12 teachers [|Cold Hard Facts: What Inquirying Minds Will Know: Inquiry-based Ice Investigations] In this activity students will work with ice to learn math concepts: perimeter, diameter, circumference, adding decimals, and linear measurement. This math lesson will evolve into an inquiry-based study to determine if the dimensions of the ice will make a difference in the way the ice floats in the water. [|EarthComm Project - Curriculum] This secondary-level educational program in Earth Sciences includes an extensive selection of student learning materials, teacher resources, and assessment tools for a hands-on, inquiry-driven instructional program. [|TERC - Education Research and Development] TERC aims to develop, evaluate, promote and support the implementation of mathematics and science curricula through projects funded by government agencies, private foundations and industry. [|National Science Teachers Association] The National Science Teachers Association’s mission is to “ … to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all” (taken from[|www.nsta.org]). The NSTA holds conferences, offers professional development opportunities, and honor outstanding science educators. NSTA also has science packets, science objects, as well as science guides to assist educators. They have interactive resources, e-newsletter, podcasts, and blogs to help inform educators. [|Edutopia: The George Lucas Educational Foundation] Edutopia is a great website for educators searching for resources on problem based learning. It has a lot of information on special education, differentiation, assessment, and technology. It has many articles as well as videos. Teachers are also able communicate through blogs that enable them to share ideas and resources. Teachers can sign up to receive electronic newsletters. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|National Council of Teachers of English] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This website includes many resources for teachers such as: lesson plans, standards, career opportunities, newsletters, and more. It is a great website for teachers who are searching for professional development opportunities. It also has many opportunities listed for teachers to get involved. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[|National Council for the Social Studies] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The National Council for the Social Studies is the largest association dedicated only to social studies. There are many resources for teachers on the website including, but not limited to: lesson plans, national standards, other organizations, and much more.