INQUIRY PHYSICS

Take a look at a physics curriculum that has been sold to teachers in 18 different states. This is the curriculum I have used in my 20 years of award-winning teaching.

My classes utilize basic inquiry techniques to introduce topics to students through laboratory work. Students are directed to perform certain experiments without them knowing how the data analysis should turn out. This strikes a balance between the time-intensive discovery approach, which would not leave time to fulfill curricular requirements, and labs that merely verify previously taught material and thus do not motivate students nor help them construct their knowledge.

Read my Inquiring Minds Brochure for more information on inquiry learning.

This curriculum is based on learning cycles originally developed at the University of Oklahoma and Norman High School. It preserves the basic approach of exploration (usually through lab activities and experiments), accommodation (via data analysis and directed instruction outlined in the teaching guides), and finally application and expansion of the topic.

Several of the student handouts are available for downloading.

The complete curriculum is available for purchase on CD-ROM for $25; personal checks or school purchase orders are accepted. The price includes regular USPS shipping and handling. Email Granger Meador at inquiry@meador.org to make payment arrangements. The CD-ROM features include:

• Menu system that uses your web browser, making it easy to access the materials on the CD-ROM
• Teacher's guides for each investigation, with about 200 pages of equipment lists, teaching suggestions, and sample answers (in Adobe PDF format; send me email if you'd like to download the teacher guide for unit 1)
• Student handouts in Adobe PDF as well as Microsoft Word DOC, and Corel WordPerfect WPD formats for easy editing; this allows you to customize the material to suit your own teaching style
• Over 250 MB of physics programs, graphics, movies, and other teaching resources