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Curriculum Development > High School 9-12 > Comprehensive Programs > BSCS Biology: A Molecular Approach > Inquiry

Science As Inquiry

A Molecular Approach

At BSCS, inquiry is a hallmark of our materials. What do we mean by inquiry? Basically, our philosophy of science as inquiry aligns with the National Science Education Standards, (NRC, 1996). Our materials reflect the ways in which scientists conduct their work and develop their explanations. Our materials also give students the opportunity to investigate aspects of the natural world in much the same way. For example, our materials provide students with opportunities to make observations, pose questions, study what scientists currently know, design and carry out investigations, and develop explanations based on evidence.

In addition to the abilities of inquiry, we want students to understand the nature of scientific inquiry. For example, we want students to understand that different types of questions suggest different types of investigations. We want them to understand how our current understanding guides the questions scientists ask. We also want students to understand that mathematics and advances in technology contribute to the process of science and that science advances through legitimate skepticism.