Concepts You Will Find

One of the best ways to create open-ended opportunities and utilize the strategies mentioned is by having concepts in mind, but allowing flexibility and expansion for the students. In the invention discovery unit as later discussed the opportunities are endless even if there the end goals are the same.

Inquiry Based Learning: Inquiry based learning can be one of the most crucial elements in a science setting, and if ignored the concepts of science and key elements of discovery and exploration will not be met. In the invention discovery unit that we implemented the basis of the project was in fact inquiry based. What better way is there than to have an end goal in mind, but not limit the expectations of the students by strict lesson plans and objectives. When given this opportunity the students will learn important concepts of how their thoughts matter, and they can learn about anything they want. More often then not, this type of learning will not only satisfy their curiosity, but also create more thus continuing the learning cycle.

Play: Through the use of other strategies it is important not to forget play and to have the concepts incorporated in a play like setting. No matter what the age of our students, we have to be aware that if our students are playing they are learning, and if they are learning through play, then engagement and retention will follow. Through play, students will learn social skills, unlimited exploration, and most importantly enhance their imaginations and inventive mindset.

Critical Thinking Through Problem Based Learning: Another method we as teachers need to incorporate into our inquiry based inventive lessons is critical thinking through problem-based learning. This skill is one of the most important skills that students should gain from their educational experience. Throughout life there are going to be many problems that our students face that will require critical thinking skills to find a solution. Although critical thinking can be adapted in any subject, it is importantly crucial in teaching science because there are many problems that the science community faces that students can relate to and find solutions.

Interest Based Learning: In an interest based learning environment we make the choice as teachers to give our students their power back. By having flexibility and letting students choose what they learn will benefit not only the student but also you as the teacher as well. This can be compared to things introduced to us as adults as well, where we feel that it is not a good use of our time and energy if we are doing something we do not care about. How can we expect our students to get over that feeling and learn what we tell them to focus on if it means nothing to them? By student choice being present in the classroom, the work and effort produced by our students will exceed our expectations because they have chosen topics they are invested in.

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