This document outlines the stages of an inquiry-based learning environment. It discusses focusing on curricular questions rather than content coverage alone. Topics worth teaching lie at the heart of a discipline, have real-world applications, and may require addressing misunderstandings. The stages of inquiry include immersing students to build background knowledge, having them investigate topics by developing their own questions, synthesizing their findings, and going public by sharing their learning. Examples are provided of students researching future scenarios in areas like transportation, technology, and cloning.

1. Designing The Learning Environment

3. Curricular Question/Problem DrivenWhat would you add?

5. Have applications and value beyond the classroom.

6. May require uncoverage (topics vulnerable to misunderstanding and misconception)

7. Offer potential for engaging the students. Wiggins and McTighe, Understanding by Design, 2005

8. Start with H.E.A.T.

9. Build a Framework

10. Stage 1 of Inquiry IMMERSE Invite Curiosity Build Background Find Topics Wonder

12. Stage 2 of Inquiry INVESTIGATE Develop Questions Search for Info Discover Answers

13. The Future: The Year 2050 Louie (transportation) Shai Rae (technology) Nathan (cloning) Ilse (technology) Javier (cars, green building)

14. Stage 3 of Inquiry COALESCE Intensify Research Synthesize Info Build Knowledge

15. Christy interviewing a fashion designer.

16. Stage 4 of Inquiry GO PUBLIC Share Learning Demonstrate Take Action

18. How clouds form by condensation of water vapor

19. How weather patterns are related to atmospheric pressure

20. Global patterns of atmospheric movement (e.g., El Nino)6. Understand factors that can impact Earth’s climate (e.g., volcanic eruptions, impacts of asteroids, glaciers).

22. QUESTIONS?