Teaching Resource

Inquiry Project - Template

In English Language Arts and Reading Inquiry and Research Science Investigation & Reasoning Writing

PDF, Google Slides, Word | 9 pages|Grades: 3 - 6

A diverse template to help students craft inquiry questions to produce different types of research projects.

Inquiry-based learning is a method that focuses on student discovery rather than the student being a passive learner in the classroom. They are allowed to be in control of their own learning by asking questions over specific topics and then finding answers to those questions through research and learning activities. Inquiry-based learning is also a great way to incorporate 21st-century critical-thinking skills in the classroom.

This teaching resource is a fantastic template that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be incorporated into any class unit, or it can be a useful tool for a negotiated, flipped learning style to empower students to determine what they would like to learn. Digital Citizenship and Inquiry and Research can be difficult skills for students to maintain. This template gives students a place to document their research information and ensure they keep away from easy downfalls such as plagiarism and distracting resource types that do not contribute to their final presentation.

You can use all pages of this template, or pick and choose the ones that are relevant for your classroom needs.

These pages include assistance with:

home learning
success criteria
investigation purpose
parent interaction
project choices
presentation types
locating and integrating personal interests
community involvement
Genius Hour references
previous knowledge and understanding
question promoting
research organization
primary and secondary resource use
presentation planning
drafting templates
good referencing practice
digital citizenship
research hints and tips
project tracking calendar
reflection exit sheet.

Use the drop-down menu to choose between the PDF, editable Word, or Google Slide Deck version.

Common Core

Common Core Curriculum alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.6
With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
In Grade 3 English Language Arts Standards Writing Production and Distribution of Writing
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
In Grade 3 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.8
Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
In Grade 3 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
In Grade 4 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
In Grade 4 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
In Grade 4 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.7
Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
In Grade 5 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.
In Grade 5 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
In Grade 5 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
In Grade 6 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8
Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources...
In Grade 6 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
In Grade 6 English Language Arts Standards Writing Research to Build and Present Knowledge

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English Language Arts and Reading Inquiry and Research Science Investigation & Reasoning Writing Templates Blended Learning Inquiry Tasks

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Resource Updates

An interactive Google Slide deck has been added to this resource.
Addition by Natalie Aug 13th, 2020
An editable Word version has been added.
Addition by Paul (Teach Starter) Feb 6th, 2020

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