Promoting Science Proficiency by Transforming Lab Activities 
Students need to understand the core ideas and crosscutting concepts of science and learn how to participate in scientific practices in order to be proficient in science. They also need to develop science specific literacy skills. Argument-Driven Inquiry is an innovative approach to laboratory instruction that is based on current research about how people learn science and current recommendations for making lab activities more meaningful for students. Argument Driven Inquiry gives students an opportunity to learn how to participate in the practices of science and use the core ideas and crosscutting concepts of science to make sense of natural phenomena. This instructional approach also gives students an opportunity to learn how to read, write, and speak in the context of science.