Viewers see children, ranging in age from kindergarten through middle school, exploring and refining their understanding about the world around them as they go on field trips, carry out research projects, and play outside. The series also shows adults modeling problem solving skills in the workplace. The video emphasizes that inquiry makes the students responsible for their own learning. One segment on the video demonstrates how assessment is an integral part of the inquiry process. In it, scientists working at a testing facility for consumer products show how assessment is crucial to the generation of results that are useful to both the manufacturers and the consumers.
Teachers discuss the importance of embedded assessment to determine how much students have learned.
Children review each other's presentations in 4H projects as an example of peer assessment. The impact of effective assessment on children's learning, performance, and self concept is discussed. ENC does NOT distribute this resource. Science as inquiry.