Inquiry Based Learningand

Project Based Learning

Old tricks in a new environment

BrainstormThink of statements that we as humans have

learned that are no longer valid.

ReflectTurn these answers into questions.

Taken from website: http://kiriakakis.net/comics/mused/a-day-at-the-park

“Answers don’t seem to participate in the ever transforming dance of the whole Universe, as we are. Sticking with them means you lose out on most of this fun. Reality can change as easily as the way you care to see it. An answer, static in nature as it is, refers to one frozen snapshot of that reality. Its value can only go down. Today’s treasure could be tomorrow’s garbage.”

Explore Campus – Find Questions in Nature

What’s in a Question?Different words can help you organize the

complexity of questions. You can differentiate open inquiry based on the words used in the question.

Who, What, Where, When - EasierHow, Why - Harder

Levels of InquiryLevel 1 - Confirmation InquiryLevel 2 – Structured InquiryLevel 3 – Guided InquiryLevel 4 – Open Inquiry

Debate: To SLO or not to SLO?

Pro – Specific learning outcomes should be attached to a unit of inquiry, as it maintains a level appropriate nature to the unit.

Con – Specific learning outcomes should not be connected to an inquiry project, as that defeats the purpose of the inquiry.

Another option: Critical SkillsProblem Solving

Finding resourcesTesting ideas

Decision MakingSeeking consensusDefending opinions

CommunicationWriting with

purposeCritical Thinking

ManagementTaking

responsibilityCollaboration

Keep personal agenda in perspective

Creative ThinkingIntegrating diverse

ideasLeadershipOrganization

Project Based LearningSolar System – Create Your Own Solar

System that follows basic principles of physics

Plant Classification – Create a Botanist’s Journal

Musculoskeletal System – Design Playground equipment that engages all muscle groups

Types of Energy – Build Cars that use different forms of energy

Energy Cars

•Kinetic and potential energy•Electrical energy•Mechanical energy•Chemical energy

Health Drinks

•Health and Nutrition•Measurement•Vitamins and minerals•Marketing

Roller Coasters

• Acceleration•Velocity•Centripetal Force•Gravity

Your Turn…Take a unit you love to teach and turn it into a project

References:Inquiry Based Learning - A Teacher’s

Manualhttp://education.alberta.ca/media/313361/focusoninquiry.pdf

ASCD – Educational Leadership – Project Based Learning

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/feb08/vol65/num05/Project-Based_Learning.aspx

Critical Skills – Antioch Universityhttp://www.antiochne.edu/acsr/criticalskills/