The RIP ® (Research Investigation Process) is a critical thinking approach to scientific inquiry that uses the same components of inquiry that scientists use in their investigations about the natural world. The Research Investigation Process is used to motivate students to learn science and to transfer from teacher to student the ownership for the learning of standards-based content.

"RIP~ing Across the Miles ™" teams together classes from different schools that are using the Research Investigation Process ( RIP ® ) model for science education to conduct collaborative inquiries.

Grade 2 students from Hawaii (Nuuanu Elementary) and New Mexico (Nizhoni Elementary School) use the critical thinking and communication processes involved in scientific inquiry as they cross the Pacific Ocean via the Internet to engage in distance learning through joint investigations in their virtual laboratory.

ANOVA Science Education Corporation officially announced the initial success of its unique "RIP~ing Across the Miles™" approach to distance learning. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking are the core components for the success of this type of learning, involving students who are geographically separated. ANOVA Science teams together classes from different schools that are using the "Research Investigation Process" (RIP ®) model for science education to conduct joint inquiries through which they learn science together.

"Scientific inquiry-based curriculum and instruction are merged with distance learning in a design that stimulates interest and motivates students to want to learn," states Dr. Robert Landsman, president of ANOVA Science and developer of the RIP. "Technology and inquiry are known motivators that 'hook' K-12 learners who require unique learning experiences. The synergism of these motivators on student learning has yet to be fully recognized and utilized in the classroom." ANOVA Science began piloting its distance program in classrooms in Hawaii and New Mexico earlier this year and is now in the process of applying for a patent to cover this unique integration of the RIP into distance learning.

Strand Physical, Earth, and Space Sciences

Standard 8: Physical, Earth, and Space Sciences: EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Understand the Earth and its processes, the solar system, and the universe and its contents

Topic Earth Materials

Benchmark SC.2.8.1 Identify different Earth materials and classify them by their physical properties

Sample Performance Assessment (SPA)

The student: Gives examples of different Earth materials (e.g., rocks, minerals, soil, sand, water) and groups them by their physical properties (e.g., size, shape, texture, color).

Rubric

Advanced

Classify different Earth materials by their physical properties and justify the classification

Proficient

Identify different Earth materials and classify them by their physical properties

Partially Proficient

Identify, with assistance, some Earth materials and their physical properties

Novice

Recognize, with assistance, different Earth materials and their physical properties

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Video Conference

Feb. 8, 2012