CNAS GOALS 2000 PROGRAMInquiry
(from the National Education Standards)

Use the Inquiring Minds of your students--they DO want to know!

Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.  Inquiry also refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of how scientists study the natural world.

Inquiry is a multifaceted activity that involves:

1. making observations;

2. posing questions;

3. examining books and other sources of information to see what is already known;

4. planning investigations;

5. reviewing what is already known in light of experimental evidence;

6. using tools to gather, analyze and interpret data;

7. proposing answers, explanations and predictions, and communicating the results.

Inquiry requires identification of assumptions, use of critical and logical thinking and consideration of alternative explanations.   Students will engage in selected aspects of inquiry as they learn the scientific way of knowing the natural world, but also should develop the capacity to conduct complete inquiries.

Although the Standards emphasize inquiry, this should not be interpreted as recommending a single approach to science teaching.  Teachers should use different strategies to develop the knowledge, understandings, and ability described in the content standards.  Conducting hands-on science activities does not guarantee inquiry, nor is reading about science incompatible with it.  No single teaching strategy or learning experience will attain the understanding and abilities desired.