Salish Sea Expeditions uses Inquiry Based Learning as a large part of our core curriculum, maximizing student decision making and ownership.

     


During preparatory visits to the classroom, Salish staff work with participants to help them design their own unique expedition.  Through small group work, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on exploration, students will decide where they would like to go, what experiments they would like to perform, which equipment they will use, and even what meals will be prepared by the students.

Inquiry Based Learning is a flexible, student-centered education strategy that promotes authentic questioning and critical thinking.  This method  encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary projects and capitalizes on students' individual strengths.  Inquiry Based Learning is the foundation of our curriculum, providing the opportunity to engage the students in an experiential way.



While aboard, Salish staff work with the students to maximize their ability to make effective decisions and work together as a team to "take over" the vessel and research equipment.  This gives students the opportunity to employ skills learned in the classroom and aboard to further direct their experience.

To find out more about Inquiry Based Learning, please visit these websites:

Concept to Classroom
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/

YouthLearn.org
http://www.youthlearn.org/learning/approach/inquiry.asp

The Exploratorium Institute for Inquiry
http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI/about/inquiry.html