Date of Award
5-2024
Culminating Project Type
Starred Paper
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Curriculum and Instruction: M.S.
Department
Teacher Development
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Martin Lo
Second Advisor
Jennifer Hill
Third Advisor
Jennifer Jay
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Inquiry Based Learning, STEM, Project Based Learning, 5E Model, 4C/ID Model
Abstract
Inquiry Project-Based Learning (IPBL) has emerged as a prominent educational approach for enhancing student engagement and fostering deep learning experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classrooms. This paper explores the implementation and effectiveness of IPBL specifically tailored for students in grades 5-8 within the STEM disciplines. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and research studies, this paper examines the theoretical foundations, pedagogical strategies, and practical applications of inquiry PBL in the middle school STEM curriculum.
Pedagogical strategies such as the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) and 4C/ID Model are used to design thinking processes that explore effective frameworks for structuring IPBL activities in the middle school STEM classroom.
Furthermore, this paper discusses the various benefits and challenges associated with implementing inquiry PBL in the 5-8 STEM classroom. Benefits include increased student motivation, improved conceptual understanding, and enhanced collaboration and communication skills. However, challenges such as resource constraints, time limitations, and the need for teacher professional development are also addressed.
Overall, this paper highlights the significance of IPBL as a transformative educational approach for engaging students in authentic, hands-on learning experiences in the middle school STEM classroom. By integrating IPBL into the curriculum, educators can empower students to become active participants in their learning.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Nathan, "Inquiry Project- Based Learning (IPBL) in the 5-8 STEM Classroom" (2024). Culminating Projects in Teacher Development. 87.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/ed_etds/87
