The dictionary meaning of Inquiry is seeking knowledge, information, or truth through questioning. Active learning is a powerful tool. The advantages for students is the development of abilities that are critical for learners such as, critical thinking, collaboration, and informational literacy. It encourages learners to be self-directed which is a important skill that students will need to acquire in order to be successful in the 21st century. Inquiry-Based Learning can ignite students´ enthusiasm and motivation for learning.
by Kristen Daughtry
1. Structured Inquiry is where the teacher establishes parameters and procedures for inquiry. Students are provided with a hands-on problem to investigate as well as the procedures and materials necessary to complete the investigation.
1.1. students investigating area and perimeter using an index card.
1.2. As part of my curriculum it would be great way to start off the unit by having student explore and discover area and perimeter on their own, hopefully, determining meaning.
1.3. One way to incorporate technology into this lesson would be to have students use e-clickers to tell me if they were understanding or they could put a question mark to tell me they needed help. This would help me monitor students and their progress.
1.4. http://galileo.org/classroom-examples/math/investigations-open-investigations/area-is-a-square-deal/
2. Guided Inquiry requires the teacher to provide the problem for investigation as well as the necessary materials. Students are expected to devise their own procedure to solve the problem.
2.1. http://questgarden.com/29/62/5/060713115757/task.htm
2.2. students research and collaborate to find out what is a plant and how plants grow, survive and reproduce.
2.3. Our next science GLE has students understanding parts of a plant. This would be a great activity in my classroom to get students excited about exploring plants.
2.4. One way I would change this activity would be to have students use Google Docs to journal and complete their final letter. They would then be able to send their find findings directly to me so I would be able to check for understanding. One way I would change this activity would be to have students use Google Docs to journal and complete their final letter. They would then be able to send their find findings directly to me so I would be able to check for understanding.
3. Student-directed inquiry is more student led.
3.1. http://www.fgse.nova.edu/~bhartsel/Webquest_teacherspage.htm
3.2. Students choose three endangered animals from the list and formulate a question they would like to research about that animal.
3.3. As 5th graders, students need to know animal adaptions and environments. This activity will help students understand both .
3.4. As a modification, I would choose to have students use Chrome books to research about the specific animals. They would then choose a web 2.0 tool to presents the information learned.
4. http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/webquest_orig/webquest_orig007.shtm
4.1. Student will investigate and create a guide to insect the choose to research
4.2. 5th Graders need to be able to classify animals at vertebrate or invertebrate, along with grouping them into their classes. Student will also collect insects and learn about entomology.
4.3. One technology tool that I would add to this lesson is the use of the field notes. I would have students complete these note on their chrome. They would be able to type into the template I created.
5. http://virginiastudies-indiansofva.weebly.com/task.html
5.1. Students will work in partners to find who Pocahontas and John Smith really were
5.2. This would be a great lesson to introduce Native American Social Studies unit. Students use background knowledge of the Disney movie to motivate and activate the learning behind these characters. Did Disney get it right?
5.3. On way I would enhance this lesson with technology is I would let student choose which tool they would like to use to present their findings.
