Methods of Teaching Math and Science in the

Primary/Junior Division

Alexandra Spyrakos
0914822

Required reading K : Analysis and Reflection.

Title: Creating a Love for Science for Elementary Students through Inquiry-based Learning.
CITATION: Spencer, T. L., & Walker, T. M. (2011). Creating a love for science for elementary
students through inquiry-based learning. Journal of Virginia Science Education, 4(2), 18-25.
Chicago

ABSTRACT:
In this paper, the student explores the
inquiry-based instructional strategies to
generate students interest in science.

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:
The paper acknowledge three questions: 1. What
instructional strategies could be used to create a
love for science for elementary school students?,
2. What strategies help students connect their
backgrounds to scientific ideas?, 3. What
strategies help students learn in non-routine
ways?
The author emphasizes the use of inquiry, being
the process that is used to resolve uncertainty by
looking into an individuals thoughts and ideas. In
order for inquiry to be present, one must activate
their reflective and thinking skills; skills that are
active, persistent and based on a persons
knowledge capacity.
I agree with what the author has said about inquiry
being a vibrant approach to learning and involves
exploration, questioning, making discoveries, and
testing discoveries to find new meaning and
understandings of different topics. Inquiry is
something that should be involved in every
subject, especially science.
The author also explains inquiry based instruction
as a student centred approached, where the
teacher is viewed as the facilitator of knowledge
and learning.
In conclusion, both play a vital role is establishing
student learning. They both encourage and
enhance curiosity, motivation for learning and
connection to various subjects including science,
and everyday life.
They both allow students to develop a better
understanding of different