Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: A Collaborative International Study of Grade 7 Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 48

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Although understandings of scientific inquiry (SI) (as opposed to conducting inquiry) is included in science education reform documents around the world, few studies have looked at students’ understandings about SI during their pre high school years. The purpose of this large scale (i.e., 20 countries/regions spanning six continents and including 2,634 students) international project was to get the first baseline data on what beginning middle school students have learned. This baseline data will simultaneously provide information on what, if anything, students learn about inquiry in elementary school, as well as their beginning knowledge as they enter secondary school.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Science Teaching and Learning

Chair

• Judith S. Lederman, Illinois Institute of Technology

Papers

• Students' Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: North and South America - Norman G. Lederman, Illinois Institute of Technology

• Students' Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: Australia and New Zealand - Selina L. Bartels, Concordia University - Chicago; Juan Jimenez Pavez, Illinois Institute of Technology

• Students' Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: Asia - Liu Cheng

• Students' Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: Europe - Irene Neumann, University Duisburg - Essen

• Students' Understandings of Scientific Inquiry: Africa - Heba El-Deghaidy