Scientific Inquiry

According to the Connecticut State Frameworks, Scientific Inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena. It involves processes that include questioning, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and sharing of findings for critical review. Scientific Literacy is defined as the ability to read, write, discuss, and present ideas in science and it also includes the ability to search for and assess the relevance and credibility of scientific information. 


 Goal #1 is to closely examine how science educators teach a content-rich curriculum in a way that is innovative, exciting, and engaging for students. Many students will agree with the statement that "Science is hard and boring." What are we as teachers doing that fails to promote, encourage, and stimulate these students? Students will now become disinterested in the subject  which evidently aids as a major factor in lackluster numbers of students in the STEM fields.


Goal #2 is to do research in a technique that approaches science learning through questions, claims, and evidence. This approach looks to science argumentation as a critical component of student content understanding and helps to mold students into inquirers that use solid evidence to support their claims. 


Goal #3 is to provide an intervention at my current highschool student teaching placement using a model called the Science Writing Heuristic or SWH which is a plan to promote laboratory understanding --> which will have students question and use evidence to support their claims --> which will be engaging and stimulating to students --> which will aid in scientific literacy and inquiry --> which will instill confidence in science students --> which can lead to students making decisons to go into the STEM fields.


Do you see where I am going with all of this?