 What is hands-on (inquiry) science?Hands-on science is an approach to learning that involves a process of exploring the natural or material world, and that leads to asking questions, making discoveries, and rigorously testing those discoveries in the search for new understanding. Hands-on science education should mirror as closely as possible the enterprise of doing real science. This process involves students of all ages and learning abilities. In addition, students using inquiry-based methods of learning develop important skills. For example, communication and collaboration are strengthened through classmates discussing, writing, reading, and even drawing together. Furthermore, hands-on learning allows students to strengthen their math skills through measuring, graphing, adding, and subtracting. Where can I find research on the effectiveness of hands-on science?Where can I find examples of hands-on science as it is taught in the classroom?The Hands-On Science Partnership will be publishing information detailing information about hands-on science in specific classrooms. Please check back for updates. Is hands-on science being taught in my state or school district?The Hands-On Science Partnership will be publishing information detailing information about hands-on science in states and school districts. Please check back for updates. What are the National Science Education Standards (NSES)?The result of a landmark development effort by the National Research Council that reflected the contributions of thousands of teachers, scientists, science educators, and other experts across the country, the NSES offer a coherent vision of what it means to be scientifically literate, describing what all students —regardless of background or circumstance—should understand and be able to do at different grade levels in various science categories. The book describes the exemplary practices that provide students with experiences that enable them to achieve scientific literacy, criteria for assessing and analyzing students' attainments in science, and the learning opportunities that school science programs afford. In addition, it describes the nature and design of the school and district science program, and the support and resources needed for students to learn. The standards reflect the principles that learning science is an inquiry-based process, that science in schools should reflect the intellectual traditions of contemporary science, and that all Americans have a role in science education. (Compiled from the National Science Education Standards, published by the National Research Council.) The National Science Education Standards, published by the National Research Council in 1996, call for a new vision of science literacy for all students. The standards are not prescriptive; rather, they set forth criteria that each school district can use as a basis for designing a science program that best meets the needs of its students. How do I obtain a copy of the National Science Education Standards?National Science Education Standards, by the National Research Council, ©1995, 272 pages, paperbound. You may order a copy of the National Science Education Standards by contacting: National Academies Press What are the National Science Board's Science and Engineering Indicators?This overview of the National Science Board's Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 describes some major U.S. and international science and technology (S&T) developments. It focuses on trends since about 1990. Text, graphs and charts (many in Power Point or pdf format) How do I obtain a copy of the National Science Board's Science and Engineering Indicators?Click here for a copy of this report |
 Photo: Lab-Aids
"As a nation, we should not be satisfied with the status quo in science scores. We should aim to lead the world, not because education should be a competition, but because we must do all we can to educate each and every child in America, regardless of their skin color, spoken accent or where they live."
Rod Paige,
Former US Secretary of Education |
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