Teacher Resources
The Inquiry Board Tool
Empower students to design authentic science investigations that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) standards and excel at the STEM Expo! The Inquiry Board is an essential tool that guides students in crafting testable questions and deepening their understanding of variables, setting the foundation for meaningful and successful scientific exploration.
Check out the instructional video by SCWIBLES at UCSC to see how Inquiry Boards can guide authentic science investigations. Click the button "How Inquiry Boards Work" above.
Click the button "Inquiry Bozrd Worksheet" above to download a worksheet from SCWIBLES at UCSC to create your own Inquiry Board and help students develop testable questions.
Sorting Activities
Sorting activities are a powerful tool for helping students develop a deeper understanding of scientific investigations. These activities guide learners in categorizing ideas, questions, and variables, helping them identify testable questions and refine their approach to experimentation. By breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, sorting activities not only enhance critical thinking but also align with NGSS standards, supporting authentic science learning and improved performance in events like the STEM Expo
Learn how to structure and refine science investigations with this sorting activity. See pages 43-45 of "Authentic Science Investigation in the Classroom" from Science Scope (NSTA, December 2015) by clicking on the button "Sorting Activity Information" above.
Click the button "Sorting Activity Worksheet" above to download a worksheet from SCWIBLES at UCSC to facilitate the sorting activity and deepen students' understanding of variables.