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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Challenging Female Gender Stereotypes Inquiry Task
An inquiry task to use in the classroom when learning about inspirational contemporary women.
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Math Investigation - Decimals and Percentages
Get your students connecting their math knowledge to the real world with this decimals and percentages party planning project.
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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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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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Cookie Erosion Experiment
Discover the effects of water erosion with a printable Cookie Erosion Experiment for kids!
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Balloon Rocket Experiment
Complete a hands-on Balloon Rocket experiment to use when investigating how energy can make things move.
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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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Cup and String Phone - Science Sound Investigation
Build and test a cup and string phone to investigate the transmission of sound waves through different media.
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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.
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What Can Wind Move? Wind Power Experiment
Investigate the power of wind with a printable Wind Power Experiment for kindergarten.
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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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Observing Conduction Science Experiment
Teach students to make predictions about and observe thermal energy transfer through this conduction experiment.
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Analysing News Articles Inquiry Project
Spark curiosity and critical thinking by analyzing news articles through an engaging inquiry project that helps students understand how context shapes the news we read.
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Analyzing Advertising Inquiry Project
Unlock critical thinking skills by analyzing advertising created in different contexts with this engaging inquiry-based project designed to deepen students’ media literacy.
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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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Fossils Science Project Pack
Use a printable fossils science project pack to give your students choices on how to show their knowledge of the types of fossils and how they are created.
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Biography of an Immigrant Writing Project
Uncover the untold stories of migrants with an enriching biography research project for 5th graders.
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Animal Adaptations Project & Report
Strengthen your students' understanding of conducting research with an Animal Adaptations project.
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Persuasive Letter Assignment
Use this persuasive letter assignment to guide your students through the process of writing a persuasive letter to their school principal.
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Write a Biography Project
Engage students in an enriching biography project that guides them through researching and writing about a famous person.
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Hands on Volume Activities: Popcorn Challenge!
Make learning “pop” with hands on volume activities like this popcorn challenge!
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Biography Poster Project Cut-Outs
Download this biography poster project containing engaging cut-outs that help students design an eye-catching and informative display about a person of their choice.
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European Ecosystem Project
Explore the natural environment of Europe with this engaging European Ecosystem project.
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Observing Chemical Reactions Experiment for Kids
Investigates chemical changes and the law of conservation of mass with our Observing Chemical Reactions Experiments.
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Outdoor STEM Activities Resource Pack
Take your STEM lessons outside with our printable Outdoor STEM Activities Resource Pack.
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Fairy Tale STEM - Cinderella's New Shoes Design Challenge
Use Fairy Tale STEM Challenges in your classroom and enlist your students help in designing Cinderella's new shoes with an exciting design task.
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Design a Pirate Ship - STEM Science Project (3-4)
Build a pirate ship and get your students thinking outside the box (or boat) with exciting pirate-themed STEM science projects.
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Pirate Ship Building STEM Challenge (5-6)
Challenge upper grade students to build a pirate ship with a fun (and engaging) STEM Building challenge created by teachers, for teachers.