Elements of Inquiry-based Learning Strategies

(from our brainstorming exercise, 8/15)

• Explore possibilities, look for trends and patterns

What do the materials or resources presented for inquiry suggest?

Brainstorm together to identify possible factors and responses:

• Pose own research question

How does __________________________ affect __________________________?

Formulate a hypothesis for your question:

Predict the outcome if your hypothesis is supported:

• Design an experiment to test your hypothesis

What major factor do you think influences your pattern of interest?

What will you measure to test your hypothesis?

What controls or alternatives should you consider?

How many trials should you conduct? (Explain)

What will your experimental set-up look like? Draw and label a diagram of it:

• Apply appropriate data analysis tools

What data will you gather?

How should it be analyzed (mean w/ error, column graph, xy-graph, …)?(Explain)

What would it look like if your hypothesis is supported?(sketch or describe expected result)

• Bring it back to a discussion with all groups

Before the discussion, what can you conclude based on your results alone?

During the discussion, take brief notes on other groups’ choices and results:

After the discussion, expand on your conclusions, if possible.