Inquiry Based Learning Activities for Teachers
Explore inquiry-based learning activities created by teachers to launch students into open-ended investigations and tasks that encourage them to think critically and logically to complete tasks.
The projects in this teaching resource collection were created by the teachers on the Teach Starter team to encourage independence and self-management while empowering students!
Curious about adding inquiry based learning to your classroom? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!
What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a pedagogical approach that focuses on active student engagement and exploration by asking questions, investigating and seeking answers.
Whew. That was a mouthful!
Essentially, this approach encourages students to become more independent learners by letting kids be curious and question!
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Math Dream House Project
Introduce this math dream house project to your students to help them increase spatial skills while designing the home of their dreams!
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End of Year Project - Lemonade Stand Design
Reap the benefits of STEM education by inviting young entrepreneurs to develop a Lemonade Stand with a STEM education project.
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Design a Planet Project
Explore the different planets during this design your own planet project for kids.
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Mother's Day Magazine Article Project
Celebrate Mother’s Day with this creative Mother’s Day magazine project.
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Design a Food Truck Math Project
Introduce your students to the world of Food Trucks as they master math, STEM, and art to design and run their own food truck.
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Plan Your Dream Vacation PDF / Slides Project
Prepare for a summer vacation with an end-of-the-year STEM activity.
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Design a Garden Math Project
Get students to design a garden with this student-centered perimeter project for 3rd and 4th grade students.
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Bread Mold Experiment
Observe how the environment causes changes in mold growth with an engaging Bread Mold Experiment.
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Build Your Own Theme Park – Project
A STEM project embedded in a real-world context.
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Financial Literacy Math Investigation – Pop–Up Shop on Wheels
A mathematics investigation involving financial literacy, embedded in a real-world context.
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STEM Activity — Ice Cream Shop Design Project
Use reading, writing, math, and STEM skills to plan, design, and advertise an Ice Cream Shop with a STEM education project for elementary students.
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Geometry City Project
Engage your learners with this cross-curricular geometry city project that invites them to build a digital city all their own.
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Flood Safety Poster Activity
Explore the impact of flooding and engage your students with a Flood Safety Poster Project.
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How Does Heat Move? Experiment
Observe how heat moves in hot and cold water with an engaging How Does Heat Move? Experiment.
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Ye Olde Geometry Town Project
Build a charming medieval town with our Ye Olde Geometry Town project, designed to give your students engaging hands-on practice with multiple geometry and social studies standards.
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Create a Board Game – Math STEM Activity
Improve math skills and spark creativity by having students plan, design, and create their own math-based board games.
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Butterfly Camouflage Activity Pack
Experience camouflage in butterflies and create an engaging scientific simulation with our printable butterfly camouflage activity pack.
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Adapting, Migrating, & Hibernating Animals Research Project
Set this classroom project for students to explore the topic of how seasons affect animals, and develop a species-specific profile on a chosen animal.
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Heat Conductors Science Experiment (Feel the Heat)
Investigate heat conductors with your students using this engaging science experiment.
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Line Plot Project: Bakery Menu Design
Make learning about math as sweet as your students' favorite treats with this project based learning line plots exercise!
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Angles 4th Grade Math Project – Design a Room
Turn your students into interior designers with this inquiry-based math project based on drawing and measuring angles.
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Sun Observation Project
Use observations of the sun to describe patterns that can be predicted with this journal project.
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Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment
Use this science experiment when learning about the different types and features of clouds and how they contribute to the water cycle.
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Write With Your Senses: Daily Descriptive Writing Prompts
Inspire your students to write descriptively using our 20 daily descriptive writing prompts slide deck and graphic organizer.
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Balloon Car Experiment – Speed Racer
Use this hands-on balloon car experiment when teaching your 5th grade students about thrust force and its effect on the speed of objects.
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Data Math Investigation - Should I Buy It?
Practice collecting and graphing data in a real-world situation.
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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Math Investigation
Immerse your students in all things fractions with this math project based around a real-world scenario.
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Observing Temperature Changes - Moving Heat Experiment
Explore heat transfer and practice measuring temperature with a thermometer in this Moving Heat Experiment.
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Exploring Sound Energy Experiments
Explore how sound works with an engaging set of Sound Energy Experiments!
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Bend, Twist, or Stretch? Changing Materials Inquiry Activity
Explore materials, observe physical changes, make predictions, and share scientific observations with a hands-on Properties of Materials Science Investigation.
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Predict and Observe Science Investigations Booklet (K-1)
Introduce your K-1 students to scientific investigation with a printable Predict and Observe Science Lab Activity Booklet.
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What Dissolves? Science Inquiry Activity (K-1)
Introduce science inquiry skills and investigate whether materials dissolve in water with a hands-on science experiment for early learners.