Primary Voices, Vol. 10, No. 1, August 2001

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Inquiry in Science

• Message from the Editors

  Katie Wood Ray and Lester Laminack

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  Abstract: This issue's theme is "Inquiry in Science." The authors in this issue help us to realize that we need to create powerful experiences as part of students' learning, so that they may become the kinds of people who ask questions as a way of knowing their world.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Inquiry in Science: From Curiosity to Understanding

  Rick Du Vall

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  Abstract: Du Vall outlines the various aspects of science instruction using an inquiry-based curriculum: a scientific inquiry classroom must be highly structured, yet students must develop personal ownership and investment in the curriculum. Time must be allowed for students to build on personal backgrounds, and space should be given to allow students to develop reasoning skills by allowing students to form their own questions.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy

• Inquiry in Kindergarten: Learning Literacy through Science

  Michele L. Shamlin

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  Abstract: A former middle school teacher describes her second year of kindergarten teaching using scientific inquiry. A focused study of animals naturally led to a need to develop literacy, communication and math skills.

  Keywords: Elementary, Literacy

• Salting the Oats: Using Inquiry-Based Science to Engage Learners at Risk

  Paddy Lynch

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  Abstract: Lynch describes her personal experiences using scientific inquiry as the base for a third-grade class of at-risk students. Notes that inquiry provided context to the core curriculum and, lessened stigma, and motivated the students to participate much more than the standard "skill-and-drill" format usually used in remedial classes.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Tools for Scientific Inquiry in a Fifth-Grade Classroom

  Beth Stout

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  Abstract: Using a unit on weather as example, Stout describes the tools she has found useful in planning, organizing, and teaching a unit of study through inquiry in her fifth grade class: mandated curriculum on which to base the inquiry; parent newsletters, to involve students outside the classroom; and student questionnaires, to assess prior knowledge. Related literature, a question board, and Internet access round out her list of tools.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Using Inquiry-Based Science to Help Gifted Students Become More Self-Directed

  Mary Schillereff

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  Abstract: Schillereff describes how she incorporates inquiry-based instruction into thematic science units to encourage her gifted students to develop and become comfortable with different kinds of questioning skills and to become more self-directed, lifelong learners.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Cultivating Curiosity with Comfort: Skills for Inquiry Based Teaching

  Rick Du Vall

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  Abstract: Du Vall reflects on issues that have surfaces as common obstacles to overcome in order to bring scientific inquiry into the classroom.

  Keywords: Elementary

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