4-H Science Inquiry Model & Lessons

Science education can be improved by immersing learners in the process of "doing" science. Informal outdoor learning environments, such as a school pond and outdoor learning center, are ideal settings for learners to practice the skills used in scientific inquiry. This kind of learning is called experiential learning. Personal experience and direct observation are the basis of experiential learning and are key to the scientific inquiry process.

U.S. National Science Education Science as Inquiry

The U.S. National Science Education Standards (National Academy Press, 1996) are organized into seven content areas. These are:

1. Science as Inquiry
2. Physical Science
3. Life Science
4. Earth and Space Science
5. Science and Technology
6. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
7. History and Nature of Science

Science as Inquiry is used as a skill in each of these content areas. According to the national standards, "Full inquiry involves asking a simple question, completing an investigation, answering the question, and presenting the results to others." Learners work toward the ability to do full inquiry by "doing" science that is within their developmental capabilities at each grade level. Learn more about standards-based science education...

Let the inquiry begin!

A class of fifth graders plans to visit the pond. The theme for the lesson is, "A pond community is made up of many unique and interesting plants and animals."

What might a scientific inquiry program at the habitat area pond look like? See Science Inquiry Model (PDF - Size 919KB). Learn more about using the Science Inquiry Model with students ...

The 4-H Experiential Learning Model

The habitat area pond can provide the context for real-world application of science as inquiry at any grade level. The lessons included in this web site provide content themes. It is up to the leader to present them in a way that learners can practice the skills they need to do scientific inquiry and become more scientifically literate. To accomplish this goal, take the learning that begins at the pond to the next step. Remember to ask learners, "How does what we learned today apply to your world beyond the school?" (See Science Inquiry Model, box 9). To complete the 4-H Experiential Learning Model, learners must have the opportunity to apply what they learn in this inquiry to a similar or different applicable situation.

In Assessing Student Understanding in Science (2001), Enger and Yager state, "Although there is no concsensus regarding what kinds of science content are necessary for scientific literacy, a scientifically literate person is believed to be one who appreciates the strengths and limitations of science and who knows how to use scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for living a better life and for making rational social decisions." Learners have the opportunity to build their scientific knowledge and to think scientifically as they investigate the question, "What can we learn at the pond?".

Assessing Student Understanding in Science, A Standards-Based K-12 Handbook. 2001. Enger, S.K. and R.E. Yager. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. 2000. National Research Council. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

National Science Education Standards. 1996. National Research Council. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.