Supporting Inquiry in Science Classrooms with the Web

Abstract This paper focuses on Web-based science inquiry and five representative science learning environments. The discussion centers around features that sustain science inquiry, namely, data-driven investigation, modeling, collaboration, and scaffolding. From the perspective of these features five science learning environments are detailed: Whyville, WISE, River City, Knowledge Forum, and Biokids. These examples are presented because they represent a wide range of strategies, genres, and goals for science inquiry. While these environments differ from one another in important ways, they do share common features that sustain science inquiry.

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