Inquiry based science and the use of living organisms in a second grade classroom

Term

2007

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAEd

Abstract

This capstone explores methods to incorporate the inquiry approach to teaching and learning science through the use of living organisms. The inquiry approach focuses on students generating questions while being involved in science activities instead of the teacher leading the questioning. Teachers act as facilitators and set up motivating activities which promote student interest and which act as a catalyst for questioning and exploring. Examples are given which demonstrate how students generate questions and create plans for finding answers to their questions. The use of living organisms such as plants and animals is explored to demonstrate how motivating these topics are for students while simultaneously teaching students how to care for living things in our environment. Included in this capstone are suggestions for using living organisms such as Monarch Butterflies, mealworms, and milkweed bugs in the classroom while providing research to justify their use.

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