Students begin each inquiry unit by ENGAGING with a phenomena, making observations, asking questions and making conjectures about why or how the phenomena happens. Next, they EXPLORE the topic through a series of hands on activities and investigations that help them make sense of the phenomena. During these activities they work with their peers to:
collect evidence and draw conclusions
make connections to prior learning and across disciplines
develop and use models
understand relationships between ideas and/ or objects
test theories, engage in argument and construct explanations
As the students begin to develop their understanding of the scientific concepts behind the phenomena, they deepen their understanding through the ELABORATE stage. Through consuming information they expand on the new concepts and make connections. This allows them to begin applying what they learned to new and unfamiliar situations.
The EXPLAIN stage provides students the opportunity to tell what they have learnt. There is communication between peers, with the teacher, and through the reflective process. These opportunities may be oral or written.
They could include:
Scientific argument or explanation
Development of an explanatory model
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Explanation of design solution
Finally, the EVALUATE stage, is where both teacher and students determine how much understanding and learning took place. It is an on-going diagnostic process that allows the teacher to determine if the learner has attained understanding of concepts and knowledge.