Experiencing and Teaching Scientific Inquiry

The course consists of a science strand and a practice strand. Heat and Temperature are often confused with each other, and in this course, participants work to disentangle these related but fundamentally different concepts. They use probes to measure temperature change as they explore heat transfer in the environment around them. They use computer software to explore and explain thermal phenomena using the particulate theory of matter that depends on thinking of matter as composed of microscopic atoms and molecules. The practice strand addresses formative assessment, that is, classroom assessments that inform instruction. In their study of assessment participants: (a) develop skills for eliciting and interpreting scientific ideas held by students; (b) become familiar with research about children's science ideas; and (c) consider possible strategies to encourage further development of students' scientific understanding. During the course participants maintain a log documenting the evolution of their practices in the clinical setting and of their understanding of assessment for learning. Based on their learning, participants set goals for incorporating new formative assessment strategies into their practices. Course is a blended face to face and online course. Recommendations: Consent