Perhaps this problem can be put into perspective by the recent article in
Physics Today "Two Revolutions in K-8 Science Education". On page 45 they
mention that "A number of studies, though, have demonstrated that, before
the fifth grade, students generally have difficulty understanding a round
Earth". Here is the crux of the difficulty. Since practically all 6th
graders are concrete thinkers, they will have much difficulty with astronomy
results, including the idea of a rotating earth. I think Fourier analysis
of sounds measured by microphones may be a tall order. However developing
simple ideas using familiar examples is a resonable approach.
It is indeed unfortunate that this article will not be read by the majority
of HS teachers as most do not subscribe to TPT, and so will not get this
article. I would also like to point out that they recommend aligning the
state tests to the goal of using inquiry. Unfortuantely this is extremely
unlikely to happen. Instead the state tests will in general rely on fact
based tests. As a result, the problem of getting through the tests will
make most teachers use rote memorization rather than inquiry. The history
in Texas has been dreadful with respect to the high stakes testing. I would
rather have no science rather than poorly digested fact based science that
fosters worse misconceptions.