Sarah Torrie

I teach gr. 9 and 10 science as well as senior physics (including International Baccalaureate physics). I am also part of the Toronto Biotech team which is working to include more biotechnology in high school science.

Project – Inquiry based learning—how to create an environment where students can design their own labs. The new science curriculum (2008) in Ontario has shifted the inquiry goals towards student centred project focus. The four areas of inquiry are the following: initiating and planning; performing and recording; analysis and interpreting; and communicating. I will share techniques that help students build and use these skills, but I will focus on planning. Successfully planning a lab is a difficult, but very rewarding process. It is a skill that has to be taught and practiced. I will share projects and activities that can be done from grades 9-12 that have a common inquiry rubric. This approach allows students to claim ownership of their labs, be involved in the entire process in a way that is not overwhelming or intimidating.