Science as Inquiry through Physical Science Webinair March 1, 2005

1. Science as Inquiry through Physical ScienceWebinairMarch 1, 2005 Thomas E. Ferko, Ph.D. Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences California Baptist University

2. What is Science?

3. Categories: Science Content Standards

4. Definitions Accomodations Those things external to the task that assist students in learning E.g., alterations to the presentation of the task Modifications Changing the task itself to assist students in learning

5. What is �Inquiry� based science? Is not: Just knowing facts A strict process Verifying content Emphasis on individual process skills Just getting an answer Exploration and experiment Concluded with the result of an experiment Is: Investigating fundamental concepts Developing strategies, abilities and ideas Investigating and analyzing questions Using multiple process skills � manipulative, cognitive, procedural Developing an explanation Argument and explanation Applying the result to other scientific arguments and explanations

6. Students� understandings and abilities are grounded in inquiry Inquiry helps students Understand scientific concepts and the nature of science Appreciate the process of gaining knowledge through science Develop skills necessary to become �independent inquirers� Inquiry is basic to science education All students can learn through inquiry If science is presented and conducted in ways that are within their developmental capabilities Why �Inquiry�?

7. K-4 Standards: Inquiry Inquiry � students should develop: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry ask a simple question, complete an investigation using simple tools, answer the question, present the results to others Understanding about scientific inquiry ask, answer, compare different kinds of experiments, instruments, explanations

8. K-4 Standards: Physical Science Physical Science - students should develop an understanding of: Properties of objects and materials Position and motion of objects Light, heat, electricity and magnetism

9. Demonstration/Activity Magnetic cereal Separating colors on a coffee filter Light stick

10. Involving Students with Special Needs: K-4 Task Presentation Use pictures in conjunction with words Present information in steps stopping frequently to check for understanding Be sure student has a clear visual pathway to what is being presented Acquiring Information Use a peer buddy to take notes Use guided notes Let students touch and manipulate objects

11. Involving Students with Special Needs: K-4 Participation Ask student to be the �lab assistant� Specifically call on students to answer questions that you know they will successfully answer Independent Task Completion Team student with peer buddy to complete tasks Use a peer buddy to help write down answers Allow student various ways to complete task: Record answers Type answers on computer Visual representation of answers

14. Demonstration/Activity Ooze Radiometer Fireproof balloon Drinking bird Coke vs. Diet Coke

15. Involving Students with Special Needs: 5-8 Task Presentation Use pictures in conjunction with words Present information in steps stopping frequently to check for understanding Be sure student has a clear visual pathway to what is being presented Acquiring Information Use a peer buddy to take notes Use guided notes Provide students avenues that they can use their 5 senses to acquire information Provide students with background information before beginning lesson Provide information at various reading levels

16. Involving Students with Special Needs: 5-8 Participation Ask student to be the �lab assistant� Specifically call on students to answer questions that you know they will successfully answer Independent Task Completion Use Peers to assist students Write answers, take notes, answer general questions Allow student various ways to complete task: Record answers Use computer Visually represent answers Allow use of calculators