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
Balloon Rocket - Experiment
A hands-on experiment to use when investigating how energy can make things move.
- Plus Plan
Mass Investigation - How Heavy Are the Objects in Your Classroom?
A mathematics investigation involving mass, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Bobby's Board Games – Math Game Challenge
Challenge students to design and create a math board game.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - True Colors
A science experiment that explores the perception of color.
- Plus Plan
Salt Water Density Experiment
A hands-on science experiment about salt water density.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - Suck It Up!
A science experiment which investigates the absorptive properties of various materials.
- Plus Plan
Chance and Data Math Investigation - Roll Me a Six!
A mathematics investigation involving chance and data, embedded in a real-world context.
- Free Plan
Science Experiment - Angles of Reflection
A science experiment that explores reflected light.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - Shine Bright, Electric Light!
A science experiment that investigates how changes to electrical circuits affects their components.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - Lights Line Up!
A science experiment which explores light.
- Plus Plan
Liquid Volume Math Investigation - Bath Time at the Farm!
A mathematics investigation involving liquid volume, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Financial Planning Math Investigation - My Day at Leisure Land!
A mathematics investigation involving financial planning embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Changing Shadows – Science Experiment
A science experiment which explores how shadows change throughout the day.
- Plus Plan
Air Resistance Experiment
Use this engaging air resistance experiment when teaching your students about air friction and the effect it has on the effectiveness of a parachute.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - What Snacks Do Ants Prefer?
A science experiment which explores the food preferences of ants.
- Plus Plan
Science Experiment - Line Up the Light!
A science experiment which explores how light travels.
- Plus Plan
Financial Mathematics Math Investigation - Let's Play Mini Golf!
A mathematics investigation about financial mathematics and measurement, embedded in a real-world context.
- Free Plan
Challenging Female Gender Stereotypes Inquiry Task
An inquiry task to use in the classroom when learning about inspirational contemporary women.
- Plus Plan
Rio Carnival - Inquiry Research Task
An inquiry task where students research the history of Rio Carnival.
- Plus Plan
Mass Math Investigation - How Much Do We Throw Away?
A mathematics investigation about measuring mass, embedded in a real-world context.
- Plus Plan
Olympic Host City Inquiry Task
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of being the host city for the Olympics in this 3-page inquiry task.
- Plus Plan
Location Math Investigation - Blackbeard's Bounty
A mathematics investigation about location, embedded in a real-world context.