Rooting Into Inquiry: Student-Designed Projects – page 2
Procedure
1. Students can use the Coastal Roots project as a platform for inquiry to help other schools do a
better job of raising their seedlings. Therefore, introduce the Four Question Strategy as outlined
on page 3 of this unit. Use Student Worksheet #1 (The Four Question Strategy) to give
students practice at using the Four Question Strategy to design their inquiry project.
2. Have students design an inquiry project based on the Coastal Roots project using another copy
of Student Worksheet #1.
3. Have students use Student Worksheet #2 (Using the Four Question Strategy to Form an Inquiry
Problem Question). This will help students formulate the title or topic of their inquiry project.
4. Discuss the elements required in an experimental design. Have students review the vocabulary
listed at the bottom of Student Worksheet #2.
5. Have students complete Student Worksheet #3 (Experimental Design Diagram). Use page 7 as
a guide.
** If you are interested in using rubrics to assist students in refining and/or grading their inquiry problem, refer to Colleen
Fiegel’s Biology Project Website (listed in on-line resources) for checklists and rubrics that can be adapted to your setting.
Science Project References
The following publications contain useful information for science teachers, students and anyone assisting with
student research. They are available from the publisher (Kendall/Hunt
), on-line book sellers (such as Amazon),
and some libraries and bookstores that carry science education materials. Other books about student research
are available from the National Science Teachers Association's Science Store.
Science Experiments and Projects for Students, 3rd edition. 2000. Julia Cothron, Ronald N. Giese,
and Richard J. Rezba. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company; ISBN: 0787264784. 341 pages.
-- Approaches science projects from the perspective of the student researcher.
Science Experiments by the Hundreds. 1996. Julia Cothron, Ronald N. Giese, and Richard J. Rezba.
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company; ISBN: 0787238449.
-- For anyone interested in developing science experiments.
Students and Research: Practical Strategies for Science Classrooms and Competitions, 3rd
edition. 2000. Julia Cothron, Ronald N. Giese, and Richard J. Rezba. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co.;
ISBN: 0787264776. 342 pages.
-- Lots of practical ideas for science teachers and competition staff.
On-Line Resources
Surf and Master the Web: Teaching With Inquiry
www.science-house.org/workshops/web/inquiry.html
. This website offers information on inquiry
lessons.
Colleen Fiegel's Biology Project Website (Benjamin Franklin H S, New Orleans),
http://education.zefex.com/BiologyProjects.htm
Excellent source of rubrics to guide the
development of independent research projects.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Marine Advisory Program,
http://www.vims.edu/adv/ed/stu.html
. This webpage gives excellent links to resources for student
independent research projects.