Significance and Challenges of Scientific Inquiry in Science Education

Abstract

According to the U.S. National Research Council (1996), scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work; in science education, science inquiry activities are those conducted by students to develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world. The Framework for K–12 Science Education advanced by the National Research Council (2012) outlines eight primary scientific inquiry practices of students: asking questions; developing and using models; planning and carrying out investigations; analysing and interpreting data; using mathematics and computational thinking; constructing explanations; engaging in argument from evidence; and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information. Certain researchers deem asking questions, gathering and interpreting evidence, and communicating explanations as the chief components of student scientific inquiry (Grigg et al., 2013).