course component
Got the "H.O.T.S." for Inquiry?
Gail B. Wortmann
Subject Area: Science
Course Title: Got the "H.O.T.S." for Inquiry?
Course Requirements: Video Program and Assessment
Course Description: Are your students high-level thinkers? Have they engaged sufficiently in the investigative nature of science? Are they ready for standardized tests that require higher order thinking to evince knowledge of scientific inquiry? This presentation will characterize the inquiry process and look at ways to teach and assess higher order thinking skills. Active inquiry yields positive results and incorporates higher order thinking. Research suggests that higher order thinking skills-applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating-are teachable and learnable in the science classroom. By gathering and analyzing data during the presentation, participants will engage in both the "doing" and "understanding" of scientific inquiry as endorsed by the National Science Education Standards. Participants will apply inquiry techniques, evaluate current scientific research using a rubric, synthesize test questions based on Bloom's Taxonomy of higher order thinking and analyze successful student inquiry examples.
Course Objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Explain how the integration of Higher Order Thinking Skills
(HOTS) and inquiry methods into instruction results in greater
learning gains by students.
2. Relate the concepts of "Do" and "Understand" scientific inquiry
as part of the National Science Education Standards.
3. Describe how to incorporate Bloom's Taxonomy and Multiple
Intelligences into student assessment for greater learning
gains.
Course Assessment:
A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the online assessment after viewing the video program.
Alignment with Standards:
TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Center
The Nation's Report Card
Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory Standards
This link takes you to the standards and benchmark search screens so that you can look for mathematics and science benchmarks.
Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory Standards - Inquiry
This link takes you to the benchmark for linear equations.
Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory Standards - Tables and Graphs
WestEd: Assessment, Standards, and Accountability
National Science Education Standards
National Educational Technology Standards
Professional Development Points: 2
Additional points may be earned through completion of follow-up activities.
Additional Helps: Follow-up activities and resources
It is recommended that participants in the video course complete follow-up activities to deepen their knowledge and skills. When these activities are completed in accordance with local staff development guidelines, participants may be able to earn additional professional development credit. Contact your local staff development office for determining how you might receive credit for completing the video program and additional credit for completing follow-up activities.
Follow-up Activity 1: Share Presentation with Peers
Follow-up Activity 2: Multiple Intelligences Assessment
