Why is Scientific Inquiry important for students?
What makes Scientific Inquiry a vital part of Progressive Learning
Do you remember eagerly watching a butterfly or a cloud and wondering about its life cycle? You experienced a touch of scientific curiosity, which all children naturally possess. Education that supports scientific inquiry aims to develop this curiosity into a passion for innovation.
Since ancient times, humans have used the method of scientific exploration to establish the cause and effect relation between events and find answers to problems. Gradually, the methods of scientific inquiry were structured and incorporated as a part of teaching-learning. Now, educationists use these methods to explain natural occurrences to students.
Definition of Scientific Inquiry:
The phenomenon of Scientific Inquiry refers to the methods by which we study natural life and present an explanation based on evidence.
The elements that are critical to this process are:
Wonder: The student asks a question, wonders about what may be causing a certain action or reaction in nature, and seeks an answer.
Model: Students develop a model of investigation, combining experiments, observation, and presentation of the thought behind the inquiry. The model of scientific inquiry states the motive of the inquiry and the method being used to reach a solution.
Explanation: This is the final stage of the process, where the results of the findings are presented based on Evidence attained after testing the hypothesis and analyzing observations.
Methods of Inquiry: Observation vs. Experiment
The method of scientific inquiry chosen depends upon the subject. Most of the natural phenomena call for observation as the primary method of inquiry. Experimentation is suitable where an expected result or hypothesis is formed first, and then students prove it. Here’s a comparison of the processes followed for both the models of study:
How Scientific Inquiry supports Progressive Pedagogy?
Weaving scientific inquiry in the curriculum at different stages is crucial. As a child grows, the capacity for perception and investigation also grows. At an elementary stage, scientific acumen is confined to the knowledge gained through textbooks and worksheets. Then, it moves to some experiments or demonstrations, facilitated by the teacher. In Primary grades, students learn by replicating the demonstrations shown by the facilitator.
On reaching Middle years, students conduct independent experiments to find answers to the questions posed by the teacher. In the next stage, students ask original questions, formulate a hypothesis, design experiments and find the answers. The problems are open-ended and students seek various solutions. Thus, they learn the process of scientific inquiry by growing through different stages.
For instance, at the elementary level, a teacher may show students the phenomenon of vapour rising from a kettle and explain the process of evaporation, even connect it to the phenomenon of clouds formation. At a higher stage, students will select a geographical location, measure the quantity of water displacement during a fixed time, find causes for higher or lower evaporation and explain the changes in rainfall patterns over the years. Thus, the process of inquiry takes shape as a student adopts independent investigation.
The objective of inculcating the skills of scientific inquiry is to enable students to use the tools and techniques for a better future. They must be able to work towards sustainable development goals with the help of scientific methods. We aim to create a holistic world where science is understood and appreciated by all, and we are working towards simplifying the scientific language for all communities.