Inquiry Approach to Learning
Inquiry is an approach to learning that engages our natural curiosity and desire to make sense of the world.
Predicting
The skill of predicting involves forecasting what is believed will occur in the future.
Questioning
The skill of questioning allows students to pursue their ideas and explore the world around them.
Planning
Planning is a thinking skill that involves identifying methods, materials and a sequence of events to reach a goal, complete a project or accomplish a task.
Observing
The skill of observing involves using all of the senses, as appropriate, to find out about the characteristics, properties and attributes of objects, places and events.
Making Connections
The ability to make connections involves a process of connecting prior knowledge to new knowledge and experiences.
Sorting & Classifying
The process of sorting involves grouping objects or events according to their similarities whereas the process of classifying involves grouping objects or events into pre-determined groups.
Comparing & Contrasting
Comparing and contrasting are ways of looking at things to determine how they are alike and how they are different.
Recording Data
The skill of recording data involves the documenting of data and observations in a variety of forms in order to preserve it for later use.
Working Safely
The skill of working safely involves students taking responsibility for their own safe participation, and the safety of others, during Inquiries and Design & Build challenges.
Analyzing & Interpreting
Analyzing data is a process of looking for patterns in data that has been collected through inquiry and figuring out about what the patterns might mean. Interpreting the data is a process of trying to explain the patterns that were discovered.
Working Collaboratively
Working collaboratively is the act of working effectively with other students and/or adults within diverse groupings. It is an essential part of conducting science.
Communicating
Communication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, and/or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.
Using Appropriate Vocabulary
The skill of using appropriate vocabulary involves exploring new vocabulary in context and developing the ability to use vocabulary to communicate thinking and learning.
Reflecting
Reflecting is a process whereby students use critical thinking skills to look back on a learning experience in terms of things that went well and areas where there may be room for growth/change.