Science
Inquiry
Science is a mix of skills, background knowledge and critical thinking. More precisely, science is the process of making careful observations, asking questions and discovering patterns to help create theories that help explain the world at large. As scientists, we are constantly working towards the general knowledge base, using the experiences of past scientists to help us push the understanding of how things work.
In my classroom, students are often taking part in hands-on labs that are often inquiry based. The students learn skills and content knowledge from the pursuit of the questions they ask.
Authentic Experiences
When not immersed in labs and activities, it’s common that the students find themselves in a project based learning environment, where they are challenged with projects that push their inquisitive nature and core foundation of knowledge.
This often leads to our work engaging us in authentic environments such as science fairs, nature walks or even traveling to nearby Science & Technology museums.
Experiential Learning
It’s very common in my classroom for the student to be working on hands-on investigations in cooperative learning groups. These groups are carefully chosen to create an environment that attempts to place all members of the group in their zone of proximal development.
Environmental Problems
It's important that students are challenged to understand the human impact upon the environment. They choose topics, prepare their research and present possible solutions to problems. Here, they had to defend their ideas in front of an audience.
