Lanham’s Inquiry Based Module Format:

Lanham’s Inquiry Based Lab Model

1. Hook: There are two ways to hook students into learning. (It’s a dirty trick, but somebody’s gotta do it!) Demonstrate something to the class either yourself, or setup an experiment for the students to perform. Either way, present a demonstration of a new concept or topic. Make it as intriguing as possible without giving away any answers. Be a performer! Don’t say anything; don’t answer any questions. Have students write down observations. You can even videotape the process.

2. Organize students into groups. Do not always allow students to choose their groups. You rarely have a choice of your co-workers!

3. Pose Problem: Give groups 3-4 minutes to come up with an answer to a problem that you give. The problem should be stated so that the answers explain what was observed in the earlier demonstration.

4. Design an experiment. Focus/guide students by having each group:

Come up with a testable hypothesis.

Make specific requirements to be set in hypothesis. Requirements can include reference to previous concepts, use of specific skills, and/or use of a model.

Design a plan for testing the hypothesis.

If necessary, modify the experiment design so that it can be conducted in the classroom with available supplies. (Both the original design and the modified design should be kept.)

5. Test hypothesis. Anticipate and prepare what supplies students might use. Students should be aware that they may or may not use the supplies your provide. Make an environment that allows students to be creative with what materials are given or can be obtained.

6. Research/review other’s work. Use textbook, Internet, library or any other sources.

7. Communicate findings. Have each group come up with a brief written statement to include the following:

Describe your hypothesis, test, and results.

Back up or refute your hypothesis with your results.

Back up or refute hypothesis with research.

8. Reinforce

Individual work: Use worksheets, word problems or other short assignment to reinforce.

Sample homework problem:

Survey 2-3 friends and/or family members outside of class: Describe observations of beginning demonstration. Ask each subject for a brief explanation of the observations. Analyze (this is not to be done with the subjects): Identify any misconceptions. Explain how you would teach this concept to these people.

Outline or explain the concept as currently understood by scientists. This may simply be a shorter version of a previous year’s lecture notes.

Copyright information: You may freely share unaltered copies of this document with others in printed or electronic form. If you modify this document for your needs I ask that you do two things: 1) reference this original document by including the following statement: Adapted from Lanham’s Inquiry Based Lab Model, available at http://mlanham.home.mindspring.com/teacher.resources/ 2) send an email of your modifications to mlanham@mindspring.com