Motivating Students to Ask Scientifically Productive Questions

Abstract

We describe a framework for supporting student inquiry in K-16 science classes in the context of student investigation of ecologically or environmentally related problems and issues. The framework was developed based on research from a case study in a 6th grade classroom on how to motivate and support student thinking about questions and evidence. We discuss how we have applied this framework in professional development for K-12 science teachers and for K-16 instructional materials for students. We describe how this framework can facilitate the collaboration of K-12 teachers with scientists, science educators, and learning scientists.