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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Making a Mini Water Cycle - Experiment
Investigate the water cycle with this hands-on experiment.
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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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Phases of the Moon – Journal Project
Observe, describe, and record patterns of the lunar cycle with this moon tracking project.
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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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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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Human Impact on the Environment-Research Project
Uncover how humans positively and negatively impact the different biomes around the world with a guided research project.
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How to Reduce Waste - School Lunch Project
Investigate the waste produced from school lunches and create a plan of action to reduce waste with a school lunch waste analysis project.
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Being Water Wise - Saving Water Poster Project
Learn and demonstrate knowledge about water conservation with a "Being Water Wise" poster project.
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How to Build an Earthworm House Project
Learn to build an earthworm house with a step-by-step instructional guide.
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Oil Spill Science Experiment
Investigate water pollution and discover the effects of oil spills on wildlife with a hands-on science lab!
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How to Catch a Leprechaun STEM Project
Use your engineering and design skills to build a leprechaun trap on St. Patrick's Day!
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World Geography – Country Research Project Inquiry Task
Help your students discover new countries with our printable country research project template.
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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.
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Build Your Own Theme Park – Project
A STEM project embedded in a real-world context.
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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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One Word Resolution- New Year Goal Setting Project
Inspire your students to reflect and set one-word goals for the new year with a “Just One Word” goal-setting project.
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New Year's Party Planning - STEM Project
Reap the benefits of STEM education by inspiring your students to plan, organize, and budget for a New Year’s Eve party for the classroom.
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Math in the Real World - Budgeting Planning Project
Introduce your students to the world of making a budget with an immersive “It’s My Life” budgeting for kids project.
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Making a Timeline of My Life Project
Teach your students how to make a timeline with a Create a Timeline Project.
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3D Christmas Ornaments Printable - STEM Challenge
Challenge your students to make three-dimensional paper Christmas ornaments with a STEM challenge.
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A Map of Our School - Mapmaking Project
Develop primary grade map skills with a map-making project for first and second grade.
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Christmas STEM - Tallest Tree Challenge
Experience hands-on STEM concepts with your students with this Christmas Tree Building STEM project.
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Assembly Line Production - STEM Project
Engage your students in learning about the U.S. assembly line process with an exciting project-based task.
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Thanksgiving Project - Plan a Parade!
Plan, design, and create a Thanksgiving Parade with a fun Thanksgiving project!
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Christmas STEM Project - Elf Trap
Experience hands-on STEM concepts with an engaging Elf Trap Project!
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American Hero Triorama Project
Identify and encourage research into notable American and Texan heroes with a triorama project.
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Thanksgiving STEM Project — Thanksgiving Turkey Trap
Explore hands-on STEAM concepts with a Thanksgiving Turkey Trap STEM project for elementary students.
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Community Brochure Template
Demonstrate learning about rural, urban, and suburban communities with a Types of Communities brochure template.
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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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Mapping Our Classroom - Mapmaking Project
Develop primary grade map skills with a classroom mapping project.
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Landform Diorama Project
Create and display a diorama of a landform with our landform project planning and creation templates.
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All About Me Time Capsule
Build a self-portrait time capsule as a fun first day of school activity!