The National Academy of Sciences presents an online, full-text version of the book, Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. It offers a practical guide, and theoretical basis, for teachers, professional developers, administrators, and others who are responding to the call in the National Science Education Standards for an increased emphasis on inquiry in K-12 science education. The easy-to-read chapters build on the discussion of inquiry in the Standards to illustrate ways to provide K-12 students with opportunities to develop their scientific understanding and ability to inquire. The chapters, which can be read independently, highlight background discussion of what inquiry is; summarize research about the value of inquiry in science education; and present a bibliography of resources for planning and implementation an inquiry approach. (author/ts)