Learning Science Through Inquiry

Learning Science Through Inquiry Paving the path to success Children can learn problem- solving skills using methods similar to the ones scientists employ that will lead them through parallel Ada learns science through inquiry stages of discovery. At a young age, Ada learns to: • Develop her own questions. • Collect evidence. Her science lessons use the FERA learning cycle. • Form a decision. • Construct explanations. • Communicate logically and clearly. IIll Explore objects, organisms, and scientific phenomena that build on prior knowledge. Reflect on observations and data, revisit prior ideas, and develop or refine explanations. Focus on a topic, Apply understanding of science concepts to new situations and prepare to repeat the learning cycle. generating interest and conceptualizing what learners already know about the topic. Ada's K-8 inquiry-based science classes have prepared her to succeed in high school biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science. STEM MAJORS Engineering Computer Science Ada enjoys science and excels in class Aerospace Biology Botany Ada majors in science in college Genetics Neuroscience and many more. Ada's friends are not so lucky... Retention rates in STEM majors are low. Fewer than 40% of students who enter college intending to study a STEM field actually end up doing so. 40% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% - 20% - 10% - 4-year Completion: 4-year Completion: Started in STEM Field 5-year Completion: Started in STEM Field 5-year Completion: Started in non- Started in non- STEM Field STEM Field White Asian American I Latino I Black I Native American - Ada graduates ready for the workforce STEM career choices: average yearly salaries High school diploma or GED Associate's Bachelor's PhD or professional degree degree degree or higher Payroll Clerk Health Tech Loan Officer Veterinarian $38,080 $41,830 $67,960 $82,040 Radiology Tech Computer Programmer Airfield Astronomer Operations Specialists $49,710 $96, 460 $56,760 $76,010 Gas Plant Pharmacist Registered Nurse Electrical Operator Engineer $111, 570 $59,870 $69,110 $89,200 Nuclear Tech Computer Systems Analyst Petroleum Oncologist $67,520 Engineer $266,000 Half of all STEM jobs don't $82,320 $138,980 require a Bachelor's degree and pay on average $53,000. That's 10% higher compared to non-STEM jobs with the same Mathematical science occupations 33,900| 23,000 educational requirements. Projected Job Openings in STEM Occupations, Physical scientists 81,300| 41,700 Engineering technicians except drafters 99,100 | 25,800 2008 - 2018 69,100| 74,600 Life scientists Economic forecasts project Life, physical, and social science technicians 128,800 | 44,100 a demand for more than Social scientists and llion addit one 158,400| 116,700 related occupations professionals with a degree Engineers 353,000| 178,300 in science, math, or engineering by 2018. Computer specialists 620,900 762,700 I Replacement Needs 2008 - 2018 I Growth Needs 2008 - 2018 400 surveyed senior HR professionals ranked CRITICAL THINKING as the most important skill their employees will need in the next five years. 93% of business and nonprofit leaders are primarily interested in a job candidate's "demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems." Ada's background helps her make informed choices Because Ada has a STEM job, she makes 33% more money compared to other women in about health Being scientifically literate helps her be a thoughtful global citizen. non-STEM industries. for herself and her family. Average hourly earnings: STEM vs. non-STEM jobs flu vaccine healthcare STEM jobs Carpools to work, thereby reducing weekly carbon output by exercise Men $36.34 Women $31.11 nutrition 20%. Non-STEM jobs Conserves water: 36 states are currently dealing with water shortages. Men $24.47 Women $19.26 Stays up-to-date and Men in STEM jobs make 25% well informed about more money compared to other men in non-STEM industries. science-based policy issues. An inquiry-based education paves the way for effective Science and learning in science. Technology Concepts" Transforming Science Education Smithsonian Science Education Center For more information about STC, visit our website. http://www.scienceeducation.si.edu @ SmithsonianScie SOURCES: http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih6/inquiry/guide/info_process-b.htm; http://projects.systemsbiology.net/celebratingscience/PDF/creating,pdf; http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stem-list.pdf; http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/2013/pdf/tab5-1.pdf; http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/06/10-stem-economy-rothwell; http://www.brookings.edu/-/media/research/files/reports/2013/06/10-stem-economy-rothwell/data-from-hidden-stem-economy.zip; http://www.brookings.edu/-/media/research/files/reports/2013/06/10%20stem%20economy%20rothwell/thehiddenstemeconomy610.pdf; http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/pcast-engage-to-excel-final_2-25-12.pdf; http://thinkwatson.com/downloads/Pearson_TalentLens_Critical_Thinking Means_Business.pdf; Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU), Apr. 10, 2013. http://www.procon.org/headline.php?headlinelD=005174; http://www.carbonfund.org/reduce; http://www.epa.gov/watersense/about us/facts.html; http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/reports/documents/womeninstemagaptoinnovation8311.pdf; %24 XID