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Working together as a team, we will end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children’s success through high quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student.

Our Mission

Appendix B

Levels of Inquiry

Example from Science

This example is a simple activity that involves studying the reaction rates of the antacid Alka-Seltzer in water at different temperatures. Dr. Rezba has adjusted this activity to fit in each of the different levels of inquiry.

CONFIRMATION/VERIFICATION

Confirmation of a principle through an activity when the results are known in advance.

"In this investigation you will confirm that the rate of a chemical reaction will increase as the temperature of the reacting materials increases. You will use the commercial antacid Alka-Seltzer to verify this principle. Using the following procedure, record the results as indicated, and answer the questions at the end of the activity."

STRUCTURED INQUIRY

Students investigate a teacher-presented question through a prescribed procedure.

"In this investigation you will determine the relationship between temperature and reaction rate of substances. You will be using the commercial antacid Alka-Seltzer and water of varying temperatures. Using the following procedure, record the results as indicated, and answer the questions at the end of the activity."

GUIDED INQUIRY

Students investigate a teacher-presented question using student selected procedures.

"Design an investigation to answer the question: What effect will water temperature have on the rate at which an Alka-Seltzer will react? Develop each component of the investigation including a hypothesis, procedures, data tables, appropriate graphs, and conclusions. Implement your procedure when it has been approved by your teacher."

OPEN INQUIRY

Students investigate topic-related questions, which are student formulated through student-selected procedures.

"Design an investigation to explore and research a chemistry topic related to the concepts we have been studying. Implement your procedure when it has been approved by your teacher."

Example from History/Social Studies

This example illustrates the different levels of inquiry in an Ancient Civilizations Archaeological Dig for second and third graders.

CONFIRMATION/VERIFICATION

Confirmation of a principle through an activity when the results are known in advance.

Hello, fellow archaeologists! Today you will be looking for artifacts from different ancient civilizations and discovering how these ancient civilizations have impacted our lives today. You will use a small brush to carefully move the sand away from the artifacts in your box, some related artifacts you may find are compasses, columns, etc. No one in your group may touch the artifact except the archaeologist that uncovered it. When an artifact is uncovered carefully place it on the lid of your box. Using the given data collection sheet draw a picture of the discovered artifact in the first column. Now predict what the artifact might be or what it may have been used for in the middle column. Then record which ancient civilization you think the artifact may have come from.

STRUCTURED INQUIRY

Students investigate a teacher-presented question through a prescribed procedure.

Hello, fellow archaeologists! Today you will uncover artifacts from different ancient civilizations. In this investigation you will be discovering how the artifacts from ancient civilizations have impacted our lives today. You will use a small brush to carefully move the sand around in your box to uncover artifacts in your box. No one in your group may touch the artifact except the archaeologist that uncovered it. When the artifact is uncovered carefully place it on the lid of your box. You will use the given data collection sheet to record your results and make predictions. Based on what you know about any of the ancient civilizations, what other "artifacts" would you include in this archaeological dig that would help explain how ancient civilizations have impacted our lives today?

GUIDED INQUIRY

Students investigate a teacher-presented question using student-selected procedures.

Today you will become archaeologists searching for answers to the question: How have ancient civilizations impacted our lives today? As an archaeologist how do you think you can learn about the past through and archaeological dig? Using the provided sand tubs you will work together to uncover artifacts. As you uncover and examine your artifacts think about how you could classify the artifacts and record your information to help you answer our research question.

OPEN INQUIRY

Students investigate topic-related questions, which are student formulated through student-selected procedures.

You are an archaeologist working on a dig in an ancient civilization. Using the provided sand tubs plan how you will uncover and research the treasures from the past. Begin your dig after approving your plan with your teacher.