ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how children's understanding in science can be built through the use and development of inquiry skills. It considers that evidence in support of inquiry-based education and discusses similarities and differences between inquiry in science and in other subjects. In the course of inquiry into heat conduction of different materials, children in a middle school class placed their hands in turn on three surfaces in the classroom – one metal, one wooden and one of polystyrene foam. The completion of a longitudinal evaluation study of the inquiry-based model for transforming science education known as Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) has provided clear evidence of positive impact of inquiry. LASER plays a critical role in bolstering student learning, especially among underserved populations including children who are economically disadvantaged, require special education or are English language learners. Language takes an important role in this process, hence the considerable emphasis on talk and dialogue in learning.
