Promoting Autonomy

Science instruction should prepare students for autonomous lifelong science learning. To do this, WISE presents students with accessible, independent activities that require sustained reasoning.

To make such projects authentic, we draw on students' existing knowledge and incorporate scientific evidence that they find personally relevant. WISE on-line guidance is carefully designed to encourage reflection and exchange of ideas. Activities like critique, comparison and design are chosen because they will be important to students throughout their lives.

Example from the "Sunlight, SunHEAT!" Curriculum

The uncertain source and validity of Web materials provides an ideal challenge and opportunity to students learn to critique information. In this project, students critique innovative passive solar house designs that were found on the Web. Students find such activities engaging and also gain valuable experience critiquing the source and credibility of scientific materials.

Click on the picture to see the video: Can we create lifelong science learners?

Source material from the Computer as Learning Partner video