ABSTRACT
Teachers focus on essential concepts in science rather than on having students memorize bits of information. When school districts commit to using an inquiry approach to teaching and learning science, the results can be rewarding. Inquiry science can be an effective way to teach children how to behave like scientists. The district-adopted science materials that Melanie and Becky were using in their classrooms asked that students go outside and observe the movement of the sun across the sky. The problem with much of the scientific reading students do in school is that it is helping them prepare for a test rather than to become thoughtful, curious scientists or human beings. The students wondered why there were two sets of moons and why the inner circle looked the same at every phase. Teachers must take a large role in solving this problem by choosing their words, actions, and tone of voice carefully.
