An INQUIRY-BASED Approach
READ THE BOOK! dictated and illustrated by 4 & 5 year-old students.
Teaching how to learn instead of what to learn is a hallmark of the progressive model. An inquiry-based approach supports the development of curiosity and an engagement in learning that leads students to formulate thoughtful questions and think more deeply about the information they gather. By leading with questions and allowing students the opportunity to investigate, experiment, and work through the scientific process to discover their own answers not only engages them more deeply in their learning but more closely represents the actual of work of active scientists. Through hands-on investigations, ongoing observations, experimentation, discussion, and creative exploration, students deepen their ability to observe, record, question, and discuss their findings and hypotheses. Students consider the connections between themselves and the world around them. For example, they might think simultaneously about how people affect the environment and how the environment affects people. These connections between science and social studies are an important aspect of curriculum development and make the scientific learning process a meaningful and personal experience.
The Following are images and examples of student works and activities from various scientific investigations:
Investigating for, and finding, signs of beaver activity.
Beaver Habitat & Community Study. Permanent Marker and Watercolors.
Observing seasonal changes in the local landscape observations. Marker & Watercolor.
Evergreen Study - observation & comparison of the needles & leaves. Cyanotype prints on fabric.
"Flinkers." Exploring the physics of gravity, air pressure and buoyancy.
Color & Light Study. Light refracting through prisms in the classroom window.
Magnets, Circuits, Electricity, Thank You card for visiting instructor. Oil Pastel and Watercolor on Paper. READ THE CARD!
Maple Sugaring Study. From tree identification to the science of boiling sap into syrup, this group of K/1s created a “how to” book based on their own experiences.