Keystone Science Network Inquiry Samplers

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Keystone Inquiry Samplers (Awareness Sessions)
July 30, 2003 and August 5, 2003

As the final events of the project, the Keystone Science Network hosted four half-day Awareness Sessions designed to expand general knowledge of the Keystone Science Network's practices and online offerings. These Awareness Sessions, called Inquiry Samplers, offered teachers a chance to experience hands-on science inquiry, observe inquiry practice in the classroom, and become familiar with Keystone Online. There were morning and afternoon sessions on both days listed above, and over 120 people registered to participate.

To stimulate reflection about their own practice, the participating teachers read an article about inquiry, and select meaningful words and sentences.

As the main hands-on inquiry investigation, the teachers engage in an exploration of sound, using lengths of string attached to a weighted bottle of water. Teachers vary the lengths of the string, the tension of the string, the location of where the string is plucked, and other variables to try to determine how low- and high-pitched sounds are formed.

After the investigation, instructors Molly and Susan share some of the comments that they overheard while the investigation was under way, and they record the comments that the teachers share about their findings.

After testing out inquiry for themselves, the participants watch a short video of a teacher using inquiry science in her classroom through a worm investigation. The teachers then share their thoughts and observations about what they liked about her style, and how elements of her practice could—or couldn't—be transferred to their own classrooms.

To cap off the event, the teachers were introduced to the resources available through Keystone Online, particularly the kit matrix and the Curricular Companions. The participants were pleased with the resources, and left the session feeling empowered to take inquiry further.

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The Franklin Institute gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the National Science Foundation and Unisys Corporation.

The Franklin Institute is the Demonstration Site for the Eisenhower Mid-Atlantic Consortium, providing science and math resources for teachers.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9819641.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

webteam@keystone.fi.edu