Tuning the level of enquiry

Differentiation:

• Managing cognitive load (difficulty)

• Creating challenge

Levels of enquiry

Skills-first lesson

Objectives:

• Learn new skill (using model and practice)

• Apply known content

Content-first lesson

Objectives:

• Understand new content

• Practice known skill

Compare the two versions

Look at the lesson plans, and think:

• How are they different?

• How can you integrate each into your scheme?

content

content

content

Level 0/1

Sample curriculum pathway for a skill

Y7 Topic 1

Y7 Topic 6

Y8 Topic 3

Level 1/2

Level 1-3

Your task

Plan what a Mystery would ‘look like’ at different

levels:

• choose a Mystery (and science topic)

• choose a Working Scientifically skill (and Lifeline)

• Plan the ‘Explore’ for Level 1 or Level 2 (or both)

Example

• Mystery: Chi

• Topic: energy transfer/density

• Skill: hypothesise

8FP7-Science-in-Society-2012-1, Grant Agreement N. 321403

Question for reflection

What factors do you consider to choose the

most appropriate Level?