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!
- Plus Plan
Changing Shadows – Science Experiment
A science experiment which explores how shadows change throughout the day.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - Line Up the Light!
A science experiment which explores how light travels.
- Plus Plan
Math Investigation - Operations with Fractions with Common Denominators
A mathematics investigation about fractions, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Math Investigation - Exploring Fractions
A mathematics investigation about fractions, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Build a Pirate Ship STEM Challenge for 2nd & 3rd Grades
This build a pirate ship challenge is the perfect STEM activity to get second and third graders thinking out of the box (and the boat!).
- Plus Plan
Math Investigation - Decimals and Percentages
Get your students connecting their math knowledge to the real world with this decimals and percentages party planning project.
- Plus Plan
Area Investigation - Big, Loud Feet!
A mathematics investigation involving area using informal units, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Monster Mashup - Inherited Traits Activity
Introduce your students to inherited traits and learned behaviors through an exciting Monster Mashup Inherited Traits Activity!
- Plus Plan
Bowerbird Fact File and Research Project
Research the amazing bird that is the Bowerbird with this fact sheet and research templates ready to go.
- Plus Plan
Wheel of Heat Transfer Project
Explore the process of heat transfer with this engaging wheel of heat project.
- Plus Plan
Christmas Science Experiments
Perform Christmas Science Experiments and teach your students about the scientific method with a set of two printable Christmas Science activities.
- Plus Plan
Sound Energy Project (Rubber Band Musical Instruments)
Use this sound energy experiment to help your students visualize sound using everyday items.
- Plus Plan
Sound Energy Project (Buzzing Balloons)
Engage your class with this sound energy exploration! This simple experiment will show students how sound is produced by a source and can be sensed.
- Plus Plan
Sound Research Science Experiment for Kids
Immerse your students in an auditory adventure, exploring sound energy with this engaging experiment.
- Plus Plan
Heat Insulators Science Experiment (Keeping Out the Heat)
Investigate heat insulators with your students using this engaging science experiment.
- Plus Plan
Plan a Halloween Party – Estimation Project
Plan your own Halloween party and practice estimating sums, differences and products of whole numbers and decimals with an engaging math project!
- Plus Plan
Responding to Stress: Small Group Skit Project
This small-group project lets students apply what they've learned about combatting stress by demonstrating practical coping skills.
- Plus Plan
Plant Growth in Soils – Science Experiment
Explore how plants grow in different types of soil with this science experiment perfect for elementary school science lessons.
- Plus Plan
3rd Grade Odd and Even Properties (The Case of the Missing Trophy Mystery)
Explore odd and even properties in multiplication sums with this fun and engaging mystery project.
- Plus Plan
Personality And Values Activity (Personality Islands Project)
Explore your students’ personalities and values with this fun personality island project.
- Plus Plan
Odd and Even Properties Investigation
Explore odd and even number properties with this fun chef inspired investigation project.
- Plus Plan
Water Retention in Soils – Science Experiment
Explore the water retention capabilities of sand, silt, loam and clay with this science experiment for kids.
- Plus Plan
Inherited and Acquired Plant Traits Research Project
Help your students uncover the different inherited and acquired traits of plants with a research project!
- Plus Plan
Bean Growth Experiment
“Grow” your students’ knowledge of plant life cycles with a plant growth experiment.
- Plus Plan
Making a Mini Water Cycle - Experiment
Investigate the water cycle with this hands-on experiment.
- Plus Plan
Sun Observation Project
Use observations of the sun to describe patterns that can be predicted with this journal project.
- Plus Plan
Phases of the Moon – Journal Project
Observe, describe, and record patterns of the lunar cycle with this moon tracking project.
- Plus Plan
Being Water Wise - Saving Water Poster Project
Learn and demonstrate knowledge about water conservation with a "Being Water Wise" poster project.
- Plus Plan
How to Build an Earthworm House Project
Learn to build an earthworm house with a step-by-step instructional guide.
- Plus Plan
How to Catch a Leprechaun STEM Project
Use your engineering and design skills to build a leprechaun trap on St. Patrick's Day!
- Plus Plan
World Geography – Country Research Project Inquiry Task
Help your students discover new countries with our printable country research project template.
- Plus Plan
We Are Moving – Planet Project Bundle
Use this printable Earth and Space project teaching resource bundle to create projects that develop knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts, research skills and writing skills.