This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, but situations that present a discrepant event or ones that challenge students' intuitions have been successful. Classical experiments confirming well-accepted scientific principles may be necessary to reinforce constructed understandings and to teach safe and proper use of laboratory techniques and instruments, but they should not be the whole laboratory experience. Instead, laboratory experience should provide a foundation for exploring new questions. In biology, for example, traditional labs such as dissection and observation of plant and animal cells may be quite appropriate. These kinds of activities teach student how science is done - how to clarify questions, how to design and experiment, how to record and display data, how to communicate knowledge generated.
Biology provides potential for many inquiries.
The process of inquiry, experimental design, investigation, and analysis is as important as finding the correct answer. Science and Technology - It would be impossible to learn science without developing some appreciation of technology. The methods of scientific inquiry and technological design share many common elements - objectivity, clear definition of the problem, identification of goals, careful collection of observations and data, data analysis, replication of results, and peer review. Technological design differs from inquiry in that it must operate within the limitations of materials, scientific laws, economics, and the demands of society. Together, science and technology present many solutions to problems of survival and enhance the quality of life.