Science+Inquiry

=Inquiry Project - 75 Points =

__Assignment__: Complete an extended inquiry project in a group of 4-5 people. __Purpose__: Teachers often teach in the manner in which they have learned. Many prospective and practicing teachers have not had experiences learning by inquiry. __Where to Start__ – the standards, of course! Locate a standard or set of standards at a particular grade level that your group can reach consensus upon studying. __Popular study choices__: //Life Science//: Mealworms or pillbugs //Earth/Space Science//: Moon cycle - daily observation + eclipses; rocks & minerals (types & cycle) //Physical Science//: Magnetism & electricity; simple machines (use of KNEX); light, sound

Each group should develop an inquiry plan to study the chosen topic using the following outline. Each group will have a “Project Page” to work with on the Science Methods Wiki to document & post work throughout the project. Create the following pages as part of your group’s Project wiki:
 * 1) Concept Map Content Knowledge
 * 2) Background Knowledge for Teacher
 * 3) Resources for Teaching
 * 4) Questions
 * 5) Our Inquiry
 * 6) Assessments

Prior to our next class on 3/23 complete the following: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Select topic as a group.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Prepare a __concept map__ about what you know currently about your selected topic. Be as specific as possible with your map. Create your maps with your current knowledge. Do not reference other materials at this point. You should draw your maps by using the concept mapping Web 2.0 tool found at https://bubbl.us/ __The concept map should be completed individually__. //Include a paragraph about your previous experience and comfort level with the topic as an additional node on your map.// Embed your tool on the “concept map” page of your project wiki. Use a common color throughout your map to show your understanding “prior” to the project. You will revisit this tool and add to it after you have completed the project – you will need to use a different color for your “post” understanding. Add labels to the map to show what color represents pre and post understanding.
 * Each person should select 3 websites, 3 tradebooks, and 3 lesson plans about the topic and include them on the “Resources for Teaching” project page. Include a direct link to online websites and lesson plans. Each resource should include a 1-2 sentence annotation describing the resource. Include a picture of each tradebook as well - You are not required to purchase or have the tradebook on hand.

Complete this table when you know your group's topic. I will use this information to setup a "place" for you under the projects section of this wiki. One person in your group will need to add the pages to your group's project page as directed above.
 * **Group - list the names of people in your group** || **List your group's topic** ||
 * Buggin' Out - Amy, Megan, Jacquie, & Amanda || Pillbugs ||
 * Team Man - Jared, Timmy, Pat, Roy || Simple Machines ||
 * Bethany, Tiffany, Tosha, & Brittany || Plants ||
 * We Rock - Leah, Crystal, Kristen, & Kayla || Rocks ||
 * Weather Girls - Faye, Pam, Linda, & Hannah || Weather ||

Assessment
STEM Resources - Test-Item Generator @http://www.stemresources.com/ NAEP Sample Test Items FACT book (Your final FACT that you originally selected) Probe books (Use info to help fill in background knowledge for teachers

Questions
Testable and researchable questions

Background Knowledge for Teachers
Use Probes & researchable questions http://scienceinaboxcells.wikispaces.com/Background+Information