Understand How

Science is done.
Focus on the processinquiry and several other
methodological
approaches when
teaching science, which
enable children to learn
how to do science rather
than learning about
science.
It is important to keep
in mind there is no single
method that will meet
the needs of all children.
Use many different
strategies and methods
to help your students
engage and learn by
doing science.

My Personal Opinion

With the experience that I
have had in the classroom
I have noticed that guided
inquiry methodology
works. It is my personal
favorite; it is a balance of
expository and free
discovery. It isnt going to
hurt to try all different
methods. If it fails dont
rule it out, reflect on your
experience, and adjust it.
Just keep in mind there is
no one right way to teach.
You are experimenting
with different methods to
help your students
understand the material.
The best way to learn is to
DO it.

Maci Dyer
2014 JMU Senior
Contact:
micareddyer@yahoo.com

Approaches
to Teaching
Science
Create By: Maci Dyer

Ways of Learning

Methods of Science
Inquiry

Problem-Based Learning: a form of

guided inquiry that centers on the
solution of problems.

Expository Methodology: teacherdominated, the teacher is the

source and the owner of the
knowledge.

The teacher sets up problems that are

based on the curriculum. The teacher

involves the students in developing one or
more viable solutions to the problem; this is
done through posing essential questions,
providing or constructive investigations
where students explore and construct their
own understandings and solutions.

Project-Based Science: Similar to

problem-based learning except
that the focus is on projects that
can actually be implemented
locally rather than problems
that are larger in scope.

It is a student-centered approach
bordering on free discovery in which
students pose and answer research
questions that are relevant to their
own lives and communities.
o This is essential because being
able to make that connection
makes it meaningful for the
student to understand why
they need to learn it. They will
then more likely engage in the
learning process.

Advantages: Everyone is hearing the same

information; as well as having a clear
development of the topic given to them.
Disadvantages: It doesnt engage students,
therefore lack of attention.

Free Discovery Methodology:

children decide what is important
for them to learn.
Advantages: It allows students to cognitively
engage as they process skills and find the
meaningfulness of the material learned.
Disadvantages: There tends not be enough
structure, students can get frustrated, and
management problems occur.

Guided Inquiry Methodology:

teachers and students act as a
partnership

Advantages: It has structure as the teacher

selects a topic. The students ask questions and
are able to do open-ended activities that help
students come up with their own conclusions.
Children get to investigate as Guided inquiry
involves learning by doing.
Disadvantages: inquiry might take more time
than allowed for science. When children
develop their own questions, the questions do
not necessarily relate to the required
curriculum. Teachers may feel unprepared
because the lack of background knowledge to
answer the question of the students.

Not all students are the same.

They are unique individuals
that have different needs.
How are you going to meet
their needs?

Differentiated Instruction:
is a guided inquiry
instructional strategy
based on the teachers
awareness of the needs of
individual students.
- It calls for teachers to
have, clear learning goals
that are rooted in content
standards but crafted to
ensure student
engagement and
understanding.