An Activity Model for Scientific Inquiry

Autor/in	Harwood, William
Titel	An Activity Model for Scientific Inquiry
Quelle	In: Science Teacher, 71 (2004) 1, S.44-46 (3 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0036-8555
Schlagwörter	Textbooks; Scientists; Scientific Methodology; Scientific Research; Inquiry; Models; Interpersonal Communication; Observation; Research Design; Science Activities; Science Instruction; Feedback; Science Process Skills; High School Students; Secondary School Science + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Textbook; Text book; Schulbuch; Lehrbuch; Scientist; Wissenschaftler; Analogiemodell; Interpersonale Kommunikation; Beobachtung; Forschungsdesign; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; High school; High schools; Student; Students; Oberschule; Schüler; Schülerin; Studentin
Abstract	Most people are frustrated with the current scientific method presented in textbooks. The scientific method--a simplistic model of the scientific inquiry process--fails in most cases to provide a successful guide to how science is done. This is not shocking, really. Many simple models used in science are quite useful within their limitations. When the simple model fails, however, scientists choose a more sophisticated model to help them in their study. This article presents a new model of the process of scientific inquiry and is based on the results of interviews with over 50 research scientists from a wide spectrum of disciplines. The "Activity model for scientific inquiry" contains 10 activities in which scientists engage as often as necessary throughout the scientific process. Nine of the activities center around "Questions," which is placed in the middle of the model because asking questions, both general and divergent, is central to any scientific inquiry: (1) Communicating with others; (2) Observing; (3) Defining the problem; (4) Forming the question; (5) Investigating the known; (6) Articulating the expectation; (7) Carrying out the study; (8) Examining the results; (9) Reflecting on the findings. Scientists move among the activities in a pattern dictated by their specific needs. The activity model does not contain a set of steps that define "good science," as suggested by the scientific method. Rather, the model offers activities in which scientists engage to develop and carry through an inquiry. Focusing on an activity within the model provides the opportunity for students to develop and hone skills needed by scientists. The activity model can also provide a framework for structured, guided, or open inquiry lessons. Teachers can also use the model as a guide when providing explicit feedback to students on how they are doing science. The overall intent of this model is to provide students and teachers with a deeper understanding of how science is actually done. With this model students learn that the process of inquiry can follow a series of twists and turns that ultimately can lead to scientific discovery. (Contains 2 figures.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10