After completing the investigations nearly 2 weeks ago the results were better than I thought. I was expecting students to struggle creating their own plan since they have NEVER been asked to think deeply much less conduct their own investigation. These students haven’t even really ever completed cookbook lab experiences.

As I said I was pleased overall, but the process wasn’t without its headaches. Most students couldn’t begin the process. They are so used to being told exactly what and when to do things that they behave like little robots. robots with major coding issues 🙂
Patience was my best friend. I kept reminding myself that this first time would be difficult and it would get better.

Out of the four of us that commonly teach this class I was the only one who chose to have students attempt this. In tour current unit on climate change however we are all planning to do another self directed investigation where I am looking for to experienced investigators.