We all remember our learning experiences the multiplication timetables by memory. We have been using the passive "Parrot" system for years and it's time to do away with the old, but if we are force-feeding this information to them and they are producing like robots then it's the same. Educators today want to bring back curiosity, that little spark of pondering and thinking about how to answer a specific question. Children have to figure out on their own what the answer is to each topic question, this is the Inquiry process.
1. How can we eliminate 70% of plastics from the sea?
In an educational setting, children need to feel empowered, that they have autonomy, and they are able to learn how to investigate themselves with a bit of guidance. STEM and STEAM activities are forms of inquiry-based learning and this time children can investigate plastics in the ocean and how to eliminate them.
Learn More: Sea Coast Science Center
2. Inquiry learning with the weather- Why does the wind blow?
In Autumn and Winter, we have windy days, and the leaves are blowing, the trees sway from side to side and sometimes the gale of winds can be so powerful that it might knock you down or do damage. Let's get children to investigate and discover the strong force behind the wind and what makes it roar like a lion! This is a problem-based learning task.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
3. Question: How can speed change the egg in cooking?
Most children like to help with cooking or baking by cracking eggs but how can the original format of the egg be transformed into so many forms? Let's get our aprons on and into the kitchen so we can do so inquiry-based projects through cooking. Choose from one of many inquiry-based science-cooking experiments and let children explore and discover good learning habits in the kitchen.
Learn More: Experiential Learning Depot
4. The interactive timeline -things become super interesting!
Teaching about time, events and history can always be challenging, especially if you want your method to be inquiry-based. We want children to make hypotheses and they are curious about learning. With older elementary children it is important to reach a level of deeper understanding and thinking. Here are some great timeline projects.
Learn More: PYP Teaching Tools
5. Inquiry- Based Animal Dissections
Where does our meat come from? How does our anatomy work? These are questions that children ask in class, and yes, we can provide them with books, videos, and lesson plans but if we take it a step further and let them explore animal dissection they will learn so much more. Children have to be exposed to hands-on learning.
Learn More: Carolina
6. Cities built on water?
With global warming, we might have to look at different infrastructures for our cities. We need innovation and new ideas. Children have an amazing imagination, and we need to let them run wild on this inquiry-based project: Can a city be built on water? We must look at real-life issues and predict what would work best in the future.
Learn More: Study.com
7. Mindfulness is a learning process
Emotional Intelligence is something that is taught at home and should be taught at school. We have all forgotten about "don't sweat the small stuff". With all the life changes that are around us and our lives being on the go and stressful, children need to learn about mindfulness & health and inquiry-based lessons on having balance.
Learn More: Friendzy
8. What's your family tree look like?
One way to get children to focus on inquiry-based activities is if we focus on the family and finding our ancestry and our DNA. Kids think it is so cool when they find out that their great-grandmother came from Africa, France, or faraway places. Get kids to dive into their past with these projects. There are many rewards of learning that we can get from family trees.
Learn More: Ancestry
9. Can novels help us learn about real-life historical events?
"Spilled Milk, The Diary of Anne Frank, 12 years a slave "and so many more titles that are a big part of our history are difficult concepts to students. The question is can novels help us learn about historical events that have taken place in our past? These books can show us history in a sequence of events which helps in comprehension.
Learn More: Hooked To Books
10. Children ask "Why", and Math teachers need to not give the answer!
When it comes to teaching, we tend to give the answers and feed information every day. Children need to learn more autonomy, especially when it comes to the subjects of math, physics, and sciences. How can teachers get started in a "Flip" classroom or inquiry-based learning? This site will give you a deep understanding of the ins and outs of inquiry-based lessons. Future lessons written and solved by students!
Learn More: Press Books BC Campus
11. How can we affect hunger and access to food?
Hunger is everywhere and unfortunately, it is more often than not in your own city. Children can take charge by working on this inquiry-based learning project: What can we do as individuals to make an effect on hunger in our town?" Perfect lesson plan for K-12 to learn about food supply and food systems.
Learn More: PBL Works
12. Scenario-Based Learning
Scenario Based Learning can happen at story time or for older students the teacher can propose a "solve the criminal activity", which involves students working in teams and collecting clues. Critical and Analytical thinking comes into play not to mention using a variety of technology tools for research. There are so many essential skills you can learn with scenario-based Learning.
Learn More: Massey
13. Short films that go above and beyond in learning
These films are worth the time, and they really focus on inquiry-based learning. There are some great videos that offer students problem-based thought-provoking questions. Teachers can guide them to do their own research to find the answers to student questions. How to think about feelings, learn about symmetry, and much more!
Learn More: The Royal Institution
14. Be a Lego Engineer
Lego is always looking for new engineers and toy designers. So, Lego is inviting students to ask if they could invent any toy for Lego what would it be? Children can create a sketch and an outline of their design, let the creative juices flow, and enter any challenge of Lego and your toy design just might be the next one on the shelf.
Learn More: Lego
15. Inquiry-Based Learning with Steve Spangler Science
This website is so cool and has a range of activities that are inquiry-based learning. Math and Science goes hand in hand. There are projects for all ages K-8th grade with videos and tutorials. Discovering science and lab experiments help children to find all the answers to the "Why" questions interactively!
Learn More: Steves Pangler Science
32 Lovely Lego Activities for Elementary Students