Enabling Inquiry-Orientated Learning in the Laboratory Presented at Monash College Teachmeet by Dr Chris Thompson

1. The IDEA Experiments
Enabling Inquiry-Oriented Learning in the Lab
Dr Chris Thompson
School of Chemistry, Monash University

2. The IDEA Experiments
Inquiry
Design
Explore
Answer
?

3. 3
 Replaces the traditional recipe
style experiment - no lab manual!
 Invokes a more authentic
approach to science
 Teamwork (3 – 4), collaborative
 Ask questions, background
research
 6 Step Approach to enable
genuine inquiry
The IDEA Experiments

4. 4
The IDEA Experiments
And these are the
enabling steps …

5. 5
 Does it work?
We definitely think so!
The IDEA Experiments

6. 6
 Is it easy to set up?
Design
Demonstrators
 Are my colleagues on
board?
Yes, and the IDEAS are
spreading.
The IDEA Experiments

7. 7
• Is there still a place for the
recipe?
• Of course …
• Technique
• Discipline
• Repetition
• Following Instructions
• Safety!
The IDEA Experiments