Science Inquiry Skills and Education Essay - 1509 Words

The stages of scientific enquiry have been developed and refined over time, to add consistency of approach and structure to systematic investigation. These processes; stimulus, curiosity, enquiry, initial investigation/observation, initial perception, initial hypothesis, experimentation, observation and recording, drawing conclusions, evaluation of initial hypothesis, formation of new hypothesis and re-experimentation, are perceived as a sequential flow of enquiry. However, in reality they are less well defined, due to sub-sequences and adaptations necessary to accommodate changing requirements. The extent and depth attainable within the stages are governed by the capabilities of the individuals involved. If the procedure of scientific†¦show more content†¦(Vygotsky, 1987:211) Bruner, amongst others, expanded this concept, by introducing ‘Scaffolding’; a framework whereby individuals provide additional stimulus, information, environment or resources to facilitat e a learner until confident to pursue knowledge independently and support is withdrawn. Constructivism accommodates the limitations of younger children due to their lack of experiential knowledge and motor dexterity, by focusing on specific scientific enquiry skills which are within their capability, such as handling resources and using the senses to explore the properties of materials. Freezing and melting water to observe its different states is a practical example within the classroom. Stimulus and curiosity is achieved by encouraging interaction with water and freezing it in an engaging way; for example, filling a rubber glove before putting it into a freezer. This fulfils key criteria identified in The Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, (EYFS): †¢ Investigate objects and materials by using all of their senses as appropriate †¢ Find out about, and identify, some features of living things, objects †¢ Look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change †¢ Ask questions about why things happen and how things work. (Statutory Framework for the EYFS (2008:14) Constructivist learning concepts are reinforced by Bruner’s approach of revisiting knowledge and layeringShow MoreRelatedThe Inquiry Approach to Learning Essay915 Words   |  4 PagesInquiry is an interactive way of learning. Students are actively engaged in their studies. Inquiry involves student-centered activities focusing on questioning, exploring, and posing explanations. The goal of inquiry is to introduce a new way of learning where students can learn about the world around them through active engagement in real-life examples. Inquiry based learning can be incorporated into all academic subjects throughout the curriculum. Science could possibly be the most effectiveRead MoreUsing Scientific Inquiry Model in High School Biology1339 Words   |  6 Pagesincrease student knowledge and skills. The intent of the activities is to help students become independent learners and use process thinking skills. Students seem to lea rn best by actually directing their own learning and doing, rather than being led from step to step by the teacher. In science, it is especially important that students learn by inquiry and use more of a hands-on approach to learning scientific concepts. According to Wilke and Straits (2005), inquiry-based learning is where studentsRead MoreInquiry Based Learning1454 Words   |  6 Pagestake leadership roles (Justice, Rice, Roy, Hudsptih, Jenkins, 2009).The success and development of skills of an individual begins in school. 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