Using Inquiry and Cooperative Groups

Inquiry is what every science teacher drives their students to do. Asking questions to objects or events that you don't know the answer to and test it experimentally. This is the premise of sciences. When students ask questions or question something, they're actively thinking about it. If active thinking is present, there will be a good chance that content is getting learned. The ultimate goal is that students discover the answers to their own questions. By doing so, They get the best understanding and confidence in their ability. Developing critical thinking skills is another outcome.

I like working in groups. Cooperative groups are great for bouncing ideas off of each other or combine many ideas to form one big idea. Groups are great for working with others. Working on projects and assignments together helps one another understand the material. Sometimes its best for students to teach their peers. Placing students with different ability levels in groups can be very beneficial. There is a misconception that if one student is more able than the other then one of them will just sit there. One way around this is giving both students separate tasks to complete, but give them the freedom of collaborating with each other. Group is work is also authentic. Most jobs are cooperative work groups. Working on that skill in high school will go a long way.