hs53

Problem Solving as Inquiry

Over the last few pages, you’ve walked through the problem-solving process. Problem solving is actually a version of the inquiry process. The two processes are charted side by side here to illustrate the comparison.

Problem-Sovling Process and Inquiry Process

On the next pages, you will see how the inquiry process takes a number of different forms in science, math, social studies, and language arts.

Your Turn Problem Solving in History: Choose a historical catastrophe such as the Black Plague, World War I, or the Great Chicago Fire. What causes led to the catastrophe? What effects resulted? If you had a time machine, could you avert the catastrophe? How?

Problem Solving in Science: Think of a modern problem that science could solve, for example, pandemics, increasing energy needs, or protection from Earth impactors. Use the process above to sketch out a possible scientific solution.

Everyday Problem Solving: Think about your daily activities—getting ready for school, taking on a new assignment, trying out for a team or a play. How many of these processes require inquiry and problem solving?