The document describes inquiry-based instruction techniques using various science museums, with a focus on the Star Trek Museum, NASA, and the Exploratorium. Activities proposed include observing star motion, exploring the solar system's properties, and understanding solar and lunar eclipses through sketches. These engagement strategies aim to excite students about science while enhancing their observational and analytical skills.

1. SL Initial Assignment September 3, 2009 George Lombardo

2. Snapshot of RockSaw at MAT Science Center Below, RockSaw admires some exhibits at the MAT Science Center.

3. Photograph of RockSaw visiting the Star Trek Museum of Science as a black hole pulls in surrounding matter.

4. How could the Star Trek Museum of Science be useful in inquiry-based instruction? The Star Trek Museum is a wonderful way to get students excited about science. As an inquiry-based activity, I would have my students go to the planetarium and make observations of the apparent motion of stars. Once they made their observations, I would then have each student draw the apparent paths of the stars on a blank copy of a celestial sphere. This would lead into a discussion about what causes the “motion” of stars and other celestial objects in our solar system.

5. RockSaw proudly reads the Teachers in Space poster at the NASA museum.

6. How could NASA be useful in inquiry-based instruction? As a teacher for ten years, I usually do not find myself with a lot of extra time to study the planets in detail. However, I would dedicate one period of instruction to having each student “take a ride through our solar system” and observing the different properties of our planets. As an inquiry-based activity, I could have students create a chart of various properties of the inner and outer planets, focusing on such characteristics as composition, mean annual temperatures and distances from the Sun, number of moons, etc. RockSaw observing the planets and Sun.

7. How could the Exploratorium be useful in inquiry-based instruction? The Exploratorium could be used for an excellent exercise in understanding the differences between a solar and lunar eclipse. As an inquiry-based activity, students could be asked to sketch the differences between them, and to see the relationship between the umbra and penumbra. RockSaw observes the difference between an umbra and penumbra.

8. Snapshot of RockSaw talking The headset and speaker were on, but the “green sound waves” would not print.