Inquiry in Science Education (9-12)

Inquiry in Science Education examines how using inquiry-based teaching and learning strategies can improve students' understanding of science.

Course Objectives

• Examine how to bring the scientific process into the classroom as a teaching and learning tool
• Explore the essential elements of classroom inquiry
• Develop ways to increase active learning

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Processes of Science
Identify processes common to all scientific investigations, and explore how to foster scientific habits of mind in students so they can understand how science works and how to conduct their own scientific research.

Session 2: Inquiry-based Learning
Explore the benefits of an inquiry-based approach to teaching biology, learn to assess levels of inquiry in classroom activities, and develop and practice strategies for increasing active learning.

Additional Course Information

• First in a series of four courses for teachers of high school biology
• Other courses in the series:
  • 2nd course: Teaching About Genetics
  • 3rd course: Teaching About Evolution
  • 4th course: Designing Effective Lessons
• A full survey course, Teaching High School Biology, is also available.

We recommend course modules be taken in order. If this is not possible, it's important to have a basic knowledge of the content and methodology described in the preceding courses.

See also: Course Tour example

About Teachers' Domain High School Courses:
Unlike the elementary and middle school courses, all high school courses assume a basic knowledge of the subject matter. These courses emphasize teaching strategies and methodology, particularly inquiry, and the use of technology and rich media in lessons. Science topics within these courses are those that are often found to be challenging to teach and learn. These topics are used to facilitate the study of methodology.