Students usually begin their study by examining the topic in the context of their local community and then expand their inquiry by exploring it within the larger national and international picture. As much as possible, we have a scientist, a professional with expertise in the unit topic, available to the students to help them consider the questions raised by the data. Data from our various evaluations suggest that network science is a lively and appealing way to approach science. We offer them as points for consideration and discussion for a wide audience of educators, from teachers to administrators to other developers. Data collection and analysis provide an effective backbone around which to study science.
Technology greatly enhances classroom inquiries.
Network science helps a larger proportion of students feel confident about their ability to understand science. Students' work in classroom inquiries is of interest to the local community. The work of a science classroom is of interest to the scientific community. In these times filled with reports of the grim realities of science education, our work with network science projects has given us considerable hope about the possibilities for real change. Instructional materials that center around the collection and analysis of data not only give students a more accurate picture of the scientific enterprise, but they also give students an opportunity to examine and construct understanding of the topic under study.