Implementing hands-on, inquiry-based science activities
Dr. Fifer began the workshop session by telling the participants how PAS came to existence. He didn't have any budget or any supplies, but he was mandated to teach science... Dr. Fifer then introduced Dr. Cynthia Ledbetter from the "new generation" of educators faced with exactly the same issue! With regard to teaching with Penny Ante Science activities, Dr. Ledbetter proceeded with the TAKS test and summarized how inquiry helps meet these objectives through:
Dr. Fifer interjected that this will stimulate "BIG QUESTIONS" and cited some examples that ought to be noted:
In summary, Dr. Fifer stressed how students would uniquely and approached the problem in their ways. And their ways would be different from how the teacher would do it, indicating a diverse range of learning styles. There doesn't have to be one right answer; as long as the students learn how to look at their data and use that information to support their conclusions, they have learned!
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