InquiryBased Learning with Earth System Science Portfolios

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Inquiry-Based Learning with (Earth System)
Science Portfolios
NASA/USRA ESSE21 Annual Meeting Fairbanks,
Alaska August 6, 2005

• David Baker
• Julia Shahid
• Michael Fairley
• Austin College
• Sherman, Texas

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Models of Inquiry-Based Learning
from http//www.materialsworldmodules.org/teachin
g/design3.htm
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Science Portfolio

• A students collection of her own questions,
  ideas, and views of the world from a scientific
  perspective.
• Pedagogical Goals
• To recognize science in everyday life
• To view science as a process
• To improve students confidence in doing science
• To make science relevant and fun
• To help students assess their scientific growth

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Science Portfolio Components

• Observations of Science in Everyday Life
• Scientific Questions and Hypotheses
• Scientific Method in Everyday Life
• Scientific Growth

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Scientific Growth

• This portfolio has caused me to think deeperI
  am not satisfied with simple answers and am
  finding myself asking many questions.
• I didnt even know where to start. I felt stuck
  because I had to completely create an experiment.
  There were very few boundaries. But when I
  started getting into it, I had lots of fun
  creating experiments.
• Completing my final self-assessment was one of
  the hardest things I've had to do. It required
  me to be honest with myselfI had to evaluate
  myself not only as a student but as a scientist.

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Classroom Implementation

• Introductory General Education Course and
  Upper-Level Major Course
• Course Size lt 25 Students
• Two Individual Conferences with Instructor
• Critique of Instructors Portfolio
• Portfolio Sharing with Another Student

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Assessment
Portfolio Itself
Focus Groups
Pre- and Post- Surveys
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Assessment
Science is Fun
Observe Sci. Principles in My Daily Life
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Science Portfolio Benefits

• Increased scientific awareness
• Better understanding of scientific process
• Increased willingness to be wrong
• Improved questioning and critical thinking skills
• Improved attitude toward science (fun!)

Always Ask Why