THE USE OF INQUIRY-BASED METHODS; FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE FIELD

Teaching earth science courses can be enhanced by the use of inquiry-based learning and a hands-on approach, and is far superior to reading a chapter in a book and trying to visualize the content in your mind. A student's interest level may be sparked by book oriented lectures and exercises, but that same student will demonstrate a marked improvement and a higher interest level with this method of teaching. Since its inception, the Science Museum of Minnesota's Youth Science Center Field School has relied on this method of teaching at-risk middle school through high school students with successes in both the classroom and in the field. By developing a curriculum to supplement the basic earth science curriculum that relies on informal, inquiry-based lessons, we can challenge students to better understand science. This presentation will show you how to use these lessons to broaden a student's interest and how to develop lessons for your own students.