Our Science Center Approach

123-ABC's of Science Learning

Why Inquiry Based Learning Is Important

A Case For Inquiry Based Learning

The SCI learning model is used in the development of SCI investigations so that we can help students learn science by actually doing inquiry-based science investigations into natural phenomena, an absolutely critical element in quality science learning.  These investigations are directly supported by science content standards and help students achieve standards-driven understanding by expressing their natural curiosity as they pursue personal questions to explain how the world works.  Research suggests that this approach enhances meaningful understanding of science content and also helps create a passion for life long learning.  Thus, SCI investigations support developing standards-driven science content by using standards-driven approaches for learning.  Equal attention is given to what should be learned and how it can best be learned.

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) stress the importance of using inquiry-based teaching and learning by suggesting that inquiry is the central strategy and approach for teaching and learning science.   This standard is far more than opinion or a “flavor of the month.”  It reflects the thinking of many of America’s most renowned educators, scientists, and academicians based upon their experience and formal research into science teaching and learning.  Most importantly however is that it works.   Indeed many students who experience rich and full inquiry as defined in the NSES often report the experience as life changing, important for all learning, and responsible for improved performance on assessments.

The challenges for creating full inquiry-based learning as well implementing new state and national academic and content standards are formidable.  Progress is not easy or fast and it requires extensive effort to help teachers think about learning in new ways.  This was recognized by the NSES when suggesting that achieving the standards (including using inquiry-based learning) “ …will be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes uncomfortable” but “they also will be exhilarating and deeply rewarding.”  Additionally the American Association for the Advancement of Science in “Project 2061” suggested that creating major improvements in science teaching and learning by the year 2061 would be a significant accomplishment. 

The Science Center of Inquiry invites all teachers to join us in making improved inquiry-based science learning available to all boys and girls.   It is, indeed, a deeply rewarding effort.