Experiencing Scientific Inquiry

The course consists of a science strand and a practice strand. In the science strand, students experience inquiry first-hand as they investigate a series of everyday phenomena. These investigations give them an opportunity to look closely at materials and objects around them, to observe phenomena that they may not have noticed before, and to develop a deep understanding of density as an intensive property of matter. Students consider and evaluate models of matter that describe and explain phenomena such as diffusion, compression, and thermal expansion at the microscopic level. The practice strand introduces a model of investigation. Students analyze their experiences in the course and use four video cases (Grades 2, 4, 5, and 8) to make their understanding of inquiry more explicit. The case studies provide opportunities to think about what children do when engaged in inquiry and what teachers do to support their learning. Course is a blended face to face and online course. Recommendations: Consent.