Helping students generate physics inquiry problems

Abstract

Physicists’ research usually begins when there are imperfections in previous experiments or theories, when new theories, data, materials, and experimental techniques are invented or developed, or when they discover conflicts between theories and experiments or within theories. However, these situations do not apply for school students, who need different conditions to generate their own physics inquiry problems (PIPs). This is despite the fact that students themselves perceive that generating good PIPs is the most difficult part of physics inquiry activities. Some students are often observed trying to discover inquiry problems that are improperly informed, or simply don’t make sense. In this workshop, therefore, we will introduce specific strategies that can help students generate IPSs at the student’s level of knowledge and inquiry experience. Intended Audience: Secondary-school Educator