When we are studying density we have a set of cubes made of different materials that students are asked to find the volume, mass and density for each as a way to identify the material. After reading the article, I am disappointed to admit that it is at the structured level of inquiry- I provide the question and the procedure. The student needs to provide a solution, along with their evidence. Science practices include:Using Mathematics and computational thinking and communicating information ( with maybe a little evaluation thrown in there!)
From our first reading on Inquiry, I really liked the evaluating fruit inquiry. I want to use the banana to explore density- I think that the students will have lots of questions and be interested in trying to figure out what is going on!
After doing more inquiry with floating fruit, they will be asking questions and defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, constructing explanations.
I will probably still have them work with the block at least some because of questions on the current 8th grade assessment for Science.
I appreciate your awareness that we will need to accept not knowing the answer and develop the mindset to continue to be curious even in the face of uncertainty!
I appreciate the reminder that we are inquiring using our senses. I think that I want to be more aware of this with students, not just the five senses that we normally think of, but also how students feel.... especially as I ask them to possibly deal with the discomfort of "not knowing".
Inquiry is actively observing, questioning and trying to figure out what you are observing. Inquiry is not something that is "done" to an individual... the energy and the train of thought comes from the individual. Someone else can point things out, or ask questions, but inquiry is personal!
Inquiry is actively observing, questioning and trying to figure out what you are observing. Inquiry is not something that is "done" to an individual... the energy and the train of thought comes from the individual. Someone else can point things out, or ask questions, but inquiry is personal! 
Inquiry is actively observing, questioning and trying to figure out what you are observing. Inquiry is not something that is "done" to an individual... the energy and the train of thought comes from the individual. Someone else can point things out, or ask questions, but inquiry is personal!