Inquiry is the process by which teachers can guide students to ask "testable" questions, learn how to conduct investigations (a simple observation, controlled experiment or print/internet research) to answer their questions, organize thier findings (data) and use that information to communicate (using a variety of formats) the answers to thier questions that are evidence based. Inquiry teaching requires extensive planning, material resources, appropriate assessment and a clear objective. Although it is student centered inquiry is NOT the discovery method popular in the 1960's.
Here are some resources that can help you learn more about inquiry but the BEST way to learn how to teach inquiry is watching a good teacher doing a real "inquiry" based lesson with real students. The important thing is to keep asking good questions, pique your students curiousity, allow them to explore and try new things and have lots of fun!
Pat DeCoster
On-line resources
"Focus on Inquiry" program by the Annenberg Project
The Exploratorium - in San Fransisco - This site has a wealth of lessons as well as information on inquiry
Print resources
Science is not a Spectator Sport - a description of what the five "E"s looks like in the classroom
Eight Essentials of Inquiry-Based Science, K-8 by Elizabeth Hammerman
Professional Development workshops are available through:
The Connecticut Science Center
Cooperative Educational Services and most other RESCs (regional education service centers)
PIMMS - Project to Increase Mastery of Math and Science - Wesleyan University
Connecticut Academy for Math and Science