If you've been clamouring for help to understand and then apply inquiry within your K-5 classroom, this book is the time-saving resource you need. It provides guidance on ways to move your students toward doing science and away from lectures, memorisation, and cookbook labs. And it does so in one convenient place, through a collection of 36 easy-to-read articles gathered from Science and Children, NSTA's elementary-level journal. The material is clearly organised into nine topic sections. Each starts with a candid introduction by a national leader in science education. Then three related articles explain practical activities you can use in your classroom. Among the crucial subjects covered are: understanding what a scientist does; developing process skills; record keeping in science notebooks; structuring investigable questions; collecting and analysing data; sharing research results. The material applies in a variety of core content areas and grade levels. It's both useful to experienced teachers and accessible to those with limited science background. Turn to A Year of Inquiry for the essentials of inquiry theory and practice-vetted by experts and explained for your unique perspective as an elementary school educator.

Includes index.

What does a scientist do? -- Process skills -- Science notebooks -- Investigable questions -- Data collection and representation -- Selecting an inquiry experience -- Switching from cookbook labs to full inquiry -- Sharing research results -- Assessing inquiry.