Supporting Inquiry in Science Classrooms with the Web

Abstract

This paper focuses on Web-based science inquiry and five representative science learning environments. The discussion centers around features that sustain science inquiry, namely, data-driven investigation, modeling, collaboration, and scaffolding. From the perspective of these features five science learning environments are detailed: Whyville, WISE, River City, Knowledge Forum, and Biokids. These examples are presented because they represent a wide range of strategies, genres, and goals for science inquiry. While these environments differ from one another in important ways, they do share common features that sustain science inquiry.

Key Words:

• Science inquiry
• Web-based learning
• problem-solving
• modeling
• scaffolding