Problem-Based Learning

1. Includes a driving question

2. Encompasses worthwhile contnt

3. Is meaningful to the learner

4. Is anchored in a real-world problem

5. Involves investigation

6. Involves artifact creation

7. Requires conceptual mastery and application of knowledge

8. May require collaboration among students, teachers, and others from the community

Scientific Literacy

1. Fundamental Scientific Literacies

a) cognitive and metacognitive

b) habits of mind

c) thinking

d) language

e) information technology


2. Derived Scientific Literacies

a) big ideas

b) nature of science and technology

c) scientific inquiry

d) technological design

e) society and environmental issues

Types of Inquiry Questions

1. Structured Inquiry

The teacher gives the students a problem to solve, and tells them what methods to use to do this.

She does not tell them the desired outcome of the exercise.


2. Guided Inquiry

The teacher provides the students only with the maerials and the problem and they have to solve.

Students have to develop their own methods.

Inquiry Model

1. Engage

a) assess prior knowledge
b) challenge prior knowledge
c) motivate students
d) establish purpose


2. Explore

a) ensure safety
b) distribute materials
c) guide investigation
d) manage students
e) facilitate progress
f) question to promote thinking


3. Consolidate

a) small group
i) encourage peer interactions
ii) talk and debate science
iii) question to promote consideration of: alternative ideas, evidence, data analysis, critical thinking

b) large group
i) questioning
ii) share diversity
iii) search for public consensus
iv) highlight supporting evidence
v) consider authorities
vi) apply new ideas

c) individual
i) promote private reflection
ii) extend experiences through text, internet, family activities, other activities


4. Assess

a) collect formative data to empower earning and to inform teaching
b) anticipate summative demands
c) analyse and reflect
d) adjust teaching and learning

Student-Led Conferences, A Few Considerations

1. Practice & Talk about Professionalism

2. Prepare activities around variety: of subjects, of working group sizes, of inside and outside the classroom experiences

3. (Teach parents how to participate in this experience)

4. NEW THINGS - don't reproduce what has already been shown/talked about

5. Create an agenda list and share response prompts with the children