Co-Inquiry in Afterschool: Learning Science

TogetherAfterschool Science Learning

CommunityDecember 5, 2011

Do Now Activity:

We are collecting some basic information about the science classes in your programs. Please complete the short handout.

Thank you!

Agenda1. Welcome and Ice Breaker2. The Paper Bag Experiment3. Introducing Co-Inquiry4. Experiment5. Debrief of experiment6. Reflection on Practice7. Workshop evaluation

Reflection

What kind of experiences do you want your kids to have in

science class?

Co-inquiry is the process of learning together in a “structured” way.

Today’s Learning Target

I will share with my colleague three co-inquiry strategies I can use in my science classroom.

Co-Inquiry StrategiesGuide kids to explore and ask

questionsEncourage kids to observe and

collect data, do research, make a hypothesis, test their hypothesis, make conclusions and do this all over again to refine and improve their understanding

Connect what they are learning about and doing to

Kids work in pairs or groups and discuss

Co-Inquiry in your classroom develops young peoples’

capacity to…• Be curious • Collect information (data) and

analyze, reflect and modify their ideas based on new information

• Apply prior science knowledge • Work cooperatively

Co-Inquiry Strategy

Kids will…

Give them time to explore ideas or projects

Be curious

Use science activities that allow them to make

observations and collect data

Invite them to talk to each other about their

findings Give them time to re-

evaluate their findings based on new data

Collect information (data) and analyze, reflect and modify

their ideas based on new information

Ask them how this activity or experiment relates to

something they’ve seen or done before

Apply prior science knowledge

Structure activities so that kids work in pairs or small

groups

Work cooperatively

Experiment time!

Egg Drop Debrief

In your table groups discuss the co-inquiry strategies you saw modeled in this activity.

Complete the Co-Inquiry Strategies handout

We will invite each table to share out

Reflection

1. What co-inquiry strategies are you already using?

2. What co-inquiry strategies will you start to incorporate in the next month?

3. What additional support will you need in order to incorporate additional co-inquiry strategies with your kids?

Learning Target (re-visited)

Turn to your colleague and share three co-inquiry strategies you can use in your science classroom.

Youth Surveys

What: Youth Pre-Surveys to new science group

Who: Science kids, grades 3rd-5th

When: The first day of program for your next science group of youth.

Reminders

Next Meeting: Monday January 9th, 2012

Location: Techbridge Offices (here)

Schedule your observation and coaching visit!