Background Knowledge Booster January 5, 2008

How to gain more depth in inquiry projects? Increase background knowledge.  As a science teacher and I were collaborating on the Research Model, I showed her the latest title in the Scientist in the Field series. In this series, scientists doing fascinating research on such topics as trash, volcanoes, and tarantulas are presented with details of the routines of the scientists and the methods they employ. In keeping with the theme of research in the real world, she decided to recommend them to colleagues as resources for book discussions. We believe that making connections to the real world and telling a story should increase understanding.  Increased understanding should make students more capable of formulating essential questions and seeing themselves as scientists. She plans to start some groups next week.  Cool.