This will be a two-to-four year collaborative learning opportunity focused on implementing inquiry in the classroom.
The Rationale:
All participating districts have an inquiry standard within their district science content standards.
Implementing inquiry-based instruction is complex and demands in-depth professional development.
Inquiry is a complex instructional strategy worthy of in-depth professional development.
Participant feedback from Science Curriculum Collaborative 1 and 2 requested a focus on implementing inquiry into the science classroom.
Who can participate: Any K-12 teacher who has an interest in implementing inquiry into the science classroom. There is no prerequisite for participation. Teacher participation will be district-defined. Team registration is strongly encouraged.
Iowa Professional Development Model: This Inquiry Institute will follow the Iowa Professional Development Model by offering participants content that is aligned with district student learning goals in the area of science; this will include sharing the research base supporting implementing scientific inquiry into the classroom. Participants will be accountable for implementation.
Professional Growth Opportunities: This Inquiry Institute will be structured in a manner that will provide participants with artifacts aligned to the Iowa Teaching Standards and the opportunity to earn a recertification renewal credit.
The goals/objectives:
Assist districts in their efforts to increase student achievement in their district science standard dealing with Science as Inquiry.
Provide content designed to help participants meet their district Science Student Learning Goals.
Provide teachers the opportunity and ability to implement inquiry into their classroom instruction.
Demonstrate a learning model that provides all students the opportunity to learn within the science classroom.
Implement a Scientifically Based Research strategy in their classrooms
