Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) is a supplemental K–12 program for science, math, and engineering designed to help students make sense of the world through hands-on investigations, meaningful conversations, and evidence-based thinking. The program is structured to support three-dimensional learning, which involves integrating science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core disciplinary ideas. ADI is presented as a ready-to-use resource that aligns with national and state educational standards, allowing teachers to implement it without designing lessons from scratch. The program is built around a consistent 7-stage process that promotes active, student-centered learning.
The program is standards-aligned and ready to teach. It is fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state standards such as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This alignment means that ADI investigations are constructed to meet specific educational benchmarks, providing a structured pathway for educators to incorporate inquiry-based learning into their curricula. The program is designed to save teachers planning time by offering ready-to-use lessons and built-in supports, enabling them to focus on student learning rather than lesson development.
ADI is backed by research and has been proven in classrooms. Over a decade of peer-reviewed studies indicates measurable gains in writing, engagement, and achievement among students who use the program. For example, a study by Sampson et al. (2013) found that 71% of students showed improvement in science writing and argumentation over the course of one school year. Another study by Chen et al. (2016) reported that 100% of ADI students were more engaged in science and experienced significantly reduced anxiety. The research also highlights equity outcomes, with underrepresented students outperforming their peers in traditional classes (Walker et al., 2016). Pre-service teachers using ADI scored higher in content and skills compared to traditional instruction (Demircioglu & Ucar, 2015). Furthermore, argument writing improved in structure, content, and mechanics (Cetin & Eymur, 2017).
The program is flexible and easy to implement, offering resources that fit various educational needs. It includes books for science from K-12, which are inquiry-based investigations organized around phenomena, with lesson plans aligned to state and national standards and built-in student argumentation tools. A digital app, the ADI Learning Hub, is a browser-based platform for delivering investigations, guiding student peer review and discourse, tracking progress, and supporting in-person, hybrid, or remote STEM instruction. The STEM Library contains 3D investigations and assessments in science, math, and engineering. Classroom materials include ready-to-use scaffolding tools like argument cards, posters, modeling resources, and progress-tracking forms to streamline collaborative STEM inquiry.
ADI investigations are built around real-world problems and authentic, observable phenomena that spark curiosity and critical thinking. This approach is designed to make learning relevant and engaging for students. The program also supports all learners, including multilingual learners, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and advanced learners, with built-in scaffolds that do not require add-ons. This inclusivity is a key feature, as noted in testimonials from educators like Jaela Harris, a science teacher in Clayton County Public Schools (Georgia), who stated, "I love the kits and so do my students! It is so easy to set up and get started. They have everything you need."
The program is used by various school districts across the United States. While specific district names are not listed in the provided data, the program is promoted as a tool for schools and districts looking to enhance their STEM education. The process for bringing ADI to a school or district involves building a plan that works for the team, as indicated by the contact invitation on the source page.
In summary, Argument-Driven Inquiry is a research-backed, standards-aligned supplemental program that provides a structured, 7-stage process for hands-on, evidence-based learning in STEM fields. It is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and easy to implement, with resources that support teachers and engage students. The program's effectiveness is supported by peer-reviewed studies showing improvements in writing, engagement, achievement, and equity. For educators and administrators seeking to enhance inquiry-based learning without extensive lesson planning, ADI offers a comprehensive solution.