Exploration and Meaning Making in the Learning of Science

This book provides a broad and deep rationale for various pedagogical practices associated with the teaching of science. The main thesis of this book is that the exploratory phase of scientific inquiry is undervalued and its purpose misunderstood. Furthermore, there is a need for an expanded conception or alternative way of thinking about the so called learning cycle that has been frequently cited as the pedagogical model for a fair number of curriculum programs. A pedagogical model is proposed that recognizes learning cycles as ones that build on each other in an in-depth developmental manner. It presents an alternative paradigm that gives more attention to the motivation of students and assigns an essential role for student input. The overall goal is to move the reader to think more holistically about the practice of science education.