ResumoEste trabalho objetiva apresentar e discutir fundamentos teóricos e filosóficos do ensino por investigação, procurando abordar algumas concepções dessa abordagem que são consideradas pouco apropriadas. Essa perspectiva de ensino vem orientando um curso de pós-graduação lato senso, ministrado pelo Centro de Ensino de Ciências e Matemática de Minas Gerais. Tomamos como pressupostos básicos as idéias de: 1) as explicações científicas surgem e se desenvolvem enquanto espaço de investigação orientada; 2) nos processos de formação de professores é preciso estabelecer um espaço permanente de investigação e trocas de vivências entre eles acerca da implementação dessa metodologia em seu trabalho. Os resultados até aqui encontrados dão conta de que houve uma ampliação significativa no entendimento dos professores sobre o que é ensino por investigação e quanto às suas aproximações e diferenças com um ensino experimental ou baseado em atividades de investigação simples e ritualística. Palavras chaves: investigação, ensino de ciências e formação de professores AbstractIn this work we intend to present and discuss the theoretical and philosophical foundations of inquiry in science teaching, addressing major misunderstandings about this approach. This perspective oriented a graduation program offered by the Centre for Science and Mathematics Teaching of Minas Gerais, Brazil (CECIMIG). The major assumptions underlying the program are: 1) scientific explanations emerge and develop as a space of guided investigation; 2) in the processes of teacher education it is essential to establish a space of investigation and of exchange of experiences in implementing this approach in the classroom. We perceived that teachers broadened their understandings about the differences and similarities between scientific inquiry and hands on science teaching or science teaching based on simple inquiry activities.

This study addresses the need for research in three areas: (1) teachers' understandings of scientific inquiry; (2) conceptual understandings of evolutionary processes; and (3) technology-enhanced instruction using an inquiry approach. The purpose of this study was to determine in what ways The Galapagos Finches software-based materials created a context for learning and teaching about the nature of scientific knowledge and evolutionary concepts. The research used a design experiment in which researchers significantly modified a secondary science methods course. The multiple data sources included: audiotaped conversations of two focus pairs of participants as they interacted with the software; written pre-and posttests on concepts of natural selection of the 21 prospective teachers; written pre-and posttests on views of the nature of science; three e-mail journal questions; and videotaped class discussions. Findings indicate that prospective teachers initially demonstrated alternative understandings of evolutionary concepts; there were uninformed understandings of the nature of scientific inquiry; there was little correlation between understandings and disciplines; and even the prospective teachers with research experience failed to understand the diverse methods used by scientists. Following the module there was evidence of enhanced understandings through metacognition, and the potential for interactive software to provide promising context for enhancing content understandings. ß

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Using a theoretical perspective of communities of practice, this case study examines a prospective chemistry teacher's inquiry-based teaching during his practicum. Conrad was a former student of an inquiry-oriented science course, Inquiry Empowering Technologies (IET). The research questions were (a) How did Conrad translate the IET inquiry practices during his practicum?; (b) How did the mentor teacher shape Conrad's participation?; (c) In what ways did Conrad negotiate new meanings of inquiry as a result of his practicum? Interview transcripts were the primary data source. Conrad carried many of the IET inquiry practices into his practicum. He equated inquiry with the use of evidence and had students create evidence-based explanations for how soap works. He chose not to incorporate the tentative nature of science. Although traditional in his own teaching, the mentor teacher supported Conrad by allowing him to teach through inquiry and by removing time constraints. As a result of his practicum, Conrad negotiated new meanings of inquiry teaching and developed an expanded view of technology. Conrad believed that high school