What is inquiry-based science education?
Inquiry-based science education is a particular approach to science education through which children learn to ask questions, experiment, develop theories, and communicate ideas. It consists of five elements: • a research-based, inquiry-centered curriculum; • professional development; • materials support; • assessment strategies; and • community and administrative support. The value of this approach to student learning is well-documented. Studies show that students who had been taught science in inquiry-based elementary school classrooms were more successful in middle school and high school science classes than students taught in more traditional ways. They were also better at problem solving, verified Arthur J. Reynolds, Thomas B. Hoffer, and Jon D. Miller of Northern Illinois University in “Investigating the effects of inquiry-based elementary science programs,” a paper presented at the 1991 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C.
