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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Oil Spill Experiment
Investigate water pollution and discover the effects of oil spills on wildlife with a hands-on oil spill experiment
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Lapbook - All About Me Template
Skip the "All About Me" worksheet and create an About Me lapbook on the first day of school.
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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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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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Buoyancy Experiment – Sink or Swim
Use this practical buoyancy experiment when teaching your students about why some objects float in water while others sink.
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Geography Flip Book
A flip book to use when learning about geography.
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Density Column Science Experiment
A science experiment to use with your students when learning about density.
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Capacity Math Investigation - Filling the Fish Tank
A mathematics investigation involving capacity, embedded in a real-world context.
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Salt Water Density Experiment
A hands-on science experiment about salt water density.
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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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Earthquake Inquiry Task - Newspaper Report
Explore the effects of historical earthquake events with an engaging Earthquake Inquiry Task.
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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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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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Animals Surviving With Sound Research Project
Assign an Animal Sound Research Project to encourage your students to explore how animals use sound to survive in the wild.
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Observing Conduction Experiment - Thermal Energy
Teach students to make predictions about and observe thermal energy transfer through this conduction experiment.
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Persuade Your Parents – Persuasive Writing Project
Download this ‘Persuade Your Parents’ persuasive writing project to guide your students through the process of convincing a parent or carer to change a household rule.
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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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Winter Paralympic Games – Inquiry-Based Project
Have your students investigate the requirements of being a Paralympic Winter Games host city with this inquiry-based learning project.
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Moving Materials Science Experiment Pack
Explore materials and how they behave with an engaging Moving Materials Science experiment pack.
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Roll or Slide Worksheets - Science Inquiry (K-1)
Explore motion and boost science inquiry skills with Roll or Slide Worksheets.
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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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Paralympic Games Historical Timeline – Inquiry-Based Project
Introduce your students to the rich history of the Paralympic Games with this inquiry-based learning project.
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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.
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Shadow Walk Activity Pack (K-1)
Explore light and shadow while building science observation skills with a printable Shadow Walk Activity Pack.
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Cookie Erosion Experiment
Discover the effects of water erosion with a printable Cookie Erosion Experiment for kids!
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Science Experiment - What Snacks Do Ants Prefer?
Teach your students how to make scientific predictions and observations with an engaging hands-on science experiment..
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Style of an Author Inquiry Project
Explore the style of an author with this engaging classroom project that helps students analyse, understand and present what makes an author’s writing unique.
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Data Collection Project
Complete this data collection project with your students to give them practice developing a statistical question, collecting data, and displaying the results.
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Unit Fraction Donut Investigation
Explore unit fractions in this fun donut-themed math investigation for your students.
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Natural Disasters Project
Assign a natural disaster project to engage your students in researching and creating a natural disaster poster about a historical event.
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Busy Bees Pollination Activity - Hands-On Science
Discover the process of pollination with a printable Bee Pollination Activity using cheese puffs and paper flowers.