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Main |
Activity 3-1 |
Activity 3-2
Step 3. Formulate and Test Investigation
Question
ABOUT THIS STEP
During step 2 you identified a science area
for your project that aligns with standards. Now you’re
ready to lead students in their own investigation of that
content domain. In step 3 you formulate, support, and study an
investigation question that:
- Motivates students.
- Activates students' relevant prior
knowledge.
- Uses a dataset to teach a specific
standard for learning.
- Investigates a science research
question.
Alignment and Design Space
You specify the investigation question parameter of your design
space parameters in this step (see Figure 1). While testing and
refining the investigation question, Virtual Design Center
participants are often surprised and excited at the insights
revealed to them about their learners and ways to:
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Phrase the question.
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Contextualize the question.
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Present the question.
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Focus the question.
The examples included within this step should
give you an idea of how the previous participants refined their
investigation questions.
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Figure 1. The investigation
question parameter of the Virtual Design Center design
space. |
Dimensions of Inspiration
Through the connections you made with science
practice and scientists in step 2 (mental models and identity),
you finally mold that into a question appropriate for your
target learners. Through the testing of your investigation with
target learners, you can actually find out how the question
evokes learners’ imagination and creativity in thinking about
their solutions, and you can also understand their prior mental
models of the science content and science practice (mental
models, creativity, and imagination).
Activities and NASA Review Criteria Matrix
The matrix below summarizes the activities to be completed in
this step and explains how to meet NASA’s product review
criteria.
Start the activities in the matrix and return
to this page when you are finished.
Continue to Activity 3-1.
DEBRIEFING
Through step 3 you have developed your investigation question
and have tested it to ensure that it motivates your targeted
learner population. Read the introduction in this page and
reflect on the alignment, inspiration, and NASA criteria in
relation to your activities.
Once your team is satisfied with the step 3
deliverables, submit them to the discussion board and share your
experience for step 3. Your facilitator will review your
deliverables and provide feedback.
In step 4 you will develop assessment
instruments to measure how effective your inquiry-based learning
activity will be in helping learners to meet the educational
standards. When you are ready, move to
step 4. Main |
Activity 3-1 |
Activity 3-2 |
