Inquiry Based Learning: Teaching Students to BE Scientists
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Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.
-Chinese Proverb Workshop Description
In this one-day workshop, teachers will learn how to implement inquiry-based learning (IBL) in their science lessons to motivate students, foster creative thinking, and teach that knowledge is a process, rather than a product. We will discuss how to scaffold activities, structure IBL activities, and transform existing, prescriptive classroom exercises into inquiry-based ones! Rationale
Often, science is taught as a string of endless facts that must be memorized, without providing students the opportunity to ask or investigate how this information came to be known. Scientific disciplines, however, are driven by curiosity, creativity, and discussion, all aspects of inquiry-based learning (IBL). In contrast to the traditional approach to learning in which concepts are hierarchical leading to facts that must be memorized, IBL asks students to construct their new knowledge through “learning by doing.” IBL promotes critical thinking by asking student to construct and organize knowledge, consider alternatives, apply the scientific method, and communicate their findings. Its boosts student motivation and engagement in the classroom, and it may improve grades compared to traditional instruction. Details In addition to the IBL exercises developed in the workshop, teachers will be provided resources to continue their practice of IBL, including example exercises, literature, and workshop materials. Participants are eligible to receive 5 Professional Development Credits. Two $25 gift cards will be raffled-off to participants at the workshop! |
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Workshop Date: June 4, 2025
Registration Deadline: May 30, 2025
5 PD Hours
Click here to register for the workshop!
Program Agenda
9:00 – 9:15 am: Welcome and introductions
9:15 – 10:00 am: Introduction to inquiry-based learning in STEM
10:00 – 10:30 am: Activity- The gradient of inquiry
10:30 – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 - 11:30am: Scaffolding and how to transform prescriptive exercises into inquiry-based ones
11:30 – 1:00 pm: Working lunch: Creating inquiry-based exercises for the upcoming academic year
1:00 - 2:00 pm: Presentations, discussion, survey, and goodbyes
9:00 – 9:15 am: Welcome and introductions
9:15 – 10:00 am: Introduction to inquiry-based learning in STEM
10:00 – 10:30 am: Activity- The gradient of inquiry
10:30 – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 - 11:30am: Scaffolding and how to transform prescriptive exercises into inquiry-based ones
11:30 – 1:00 pm: Working lunch: Creating inquiry-based exercises for the upcoming academic year
1:00 - 2:00 pm: Presentations, discussion, survey, and goodbyes