Introduction: 23 Things To Do in the Spirit of Inquiry!

MA State Science & Engineering Fair website

The 23 Things program is based on an online discovery program (originally called Learning 2.0) created by Helene Blowers, former Technology Services Director at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County in North Carolina.  Since its creation in 2006, the 23 Things program has been replicated by more than 750 libraries and in at least 15 different languages.  The program is intended to be self-directed and self-paced and to encourage discovery and exploration, and as such, seemed the perfect template for students at Spring Hill College to practice various library skills and research methods, and to embark upon the Spirit of Inquiry that we (the faculty and librarians at SHC) hope will guide the rest of your learning for life.      

Here's how it works:

• During the freshman course of study, and likely in conjunction with at least one of your English or History classes, you will work through the 23 Things in the Spirit of Inquiry, Level 1 program housed online at http://spiritofinquiry1.blogspot.com/.  A new unit will be released on Friday of each week.    
• You will work mostly at your own pace, but sometimes the Inquiry Exercises at the end of each unit will need to be completed before a librarian visits your class.  Your instructor will inform you of any deadlines or due dates, and also if and when you will get a grade for your efforts.
• Each unit will consist of an introduction to the topic, a list of Things To Know, and several Inquiry Exercises along with a Bonus Exercise for over-achievers.  
• You will complete the exercises in a Survey Monkey online form, and your answers will be reviewed by a librarian and by your instructor NOT so that we can mark them wrong, but so we can shape further instruction and discussion on these various topics.
• You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, get help, and re-do the exercises, if you like, in order to achieve mastery of these skills.  
• Your work on the exercises is not anonymous, but your answers will not be shared with a class or anyone beyond your librarian and your instructor without your consent. 

Are you in?  Let's get started!  Jump to Thing 1.