The constructivist approach to curriculum design allows science concepts to come alive in the elementary classroom setting through hands-on problem-solving. Students use inquiry-based methods to investigate a topic, ask questions, and use a variety of resources to find answers and solutions. As students explore the topic, they draw conclusions, and, as exploration continues, they revisit those conclusions. Exploration of questions leads to more questions and a deeper understanding of the concept.
Use the “Inquiry Based Strategies Chart” to align effective strategies to science and health standards. Based on the K-8 grade of your choice, select a grade-appropriate science standard and a grade-appropriate health standard from Arizona or your state’s K-12 content area standards.
In two separate tables, one for the science standard and one for the health standard, outline the following:
Selected grade level
Selected standard
One measurable learning target/objective in “Students will be able to” (SWBAT) language
Two inquiry-based strategies that can be used to teach the learning target/objective
A 50-100 word rationale justifying why the two strategies are effective for teaching the concept
Support your findings with three scholarly resources.
