What+does+Inquiry+in+Science+Look+Like?

I am one member of a team that is looking at ways to bring authentic inquiry to our 9th grade science students. Budgets are limited, incoming process skills are limited, State test pressures abound, and I am reaching out to see if anyone out there has some experience with this challenge. We are a Title 1 school with a 9th grade class of about 900 freshmen. Let me know what your experience has been.