Inquiry Based Learning Activities Teaching Resources
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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Nonfiction Text Features – All About Me Project
Implement a text features project with an “All About Me” theme to explore informational text features with your students.
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End of Year Project - Lemonade Stand Design
Reap the benefits of STEM education by inviting young entrepreneurs to develop a Lemonade Stand with a STEM education project.
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Cinderella's Design Challenge
A STEM style challenge themed around the fairy tale Cinderella.
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A Visual Story of ME! - Timeline Template
Apply knowledge of chronological order while students create a personal timeline highlighting important milestones.
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Science Experiment - Observing a Chemical Reaction
A science experiment that investigates chemical changes and the law of conservation of mass.
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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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Balloon Car Experiment – Speed Racer
Use this hands-on balloon car experiment when teaching your 5th grade students about thrust force and its effect on the speed of objects.
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Capacity Math Investigation - Filling the Fish Tank
A mathematics investigation involving capacity, embedded in a real-world context.
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Mass Investigation - How Heavy Are the Objects in Your Classroom?
Explore the mass of objects in the classroom with this mass mathematics investigation embedded in a real-world context.
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Science Experiment - Suck It Up!
A science experiment which investigates the absorptive properties of various materials.
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Data Math Investigation - Should I Buy It?
Practice collecting and graphing data in a real-world situation.
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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!).
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Build a Pirate Ship STEM Challenge for Lower Elementary
Challenge kindergarten or first grade students to build a pirate shape with a STEM challenge designed to test their creativity.
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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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Paper Airplane Challenge - Measuring Distance Performance Task
Practice measuring distance and have fun hosting a paper plane competition using a printable math investigation workbook.
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Design a Conservation T-Shirt – Inquiry-Based Project
Use this conservation project to teach your students about how to ignite positive change in the face of a global environmental crisis.
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Biodiversity in a Habitat – Inquiry-Based Project
Use this biodiversity project to teach your students about the importance of species survival to life on Earth.
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STEM Investigation Build A Raft
Explore floating and waterproof materials in this STEM investigation embedded in a fun fairy tale story.
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STEM Investigation Build A Bridge
Explore this STEM investigation about the construction of bridges using everyday materials, embedded in a real-life situation.
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Monster Mashup - Inherited Traits Activity
Introduce your students to inherited traits and learned behaviors through an exciting Monster Mashup Inherited Traits Activity!
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Bird Beak Lab Activity
Discover how birds’ beaks help them find food and survive in the wild with a hands-on Bird Beak Adaptation Lab.
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Human Inherited Traits Activity - Science Experiment
Engage your students in learning about the traits inherited from their parents with a fun Human Inherited Traits Lab activity.
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Design the Perfect Dog Breed - Animal Traits Project
Investigate inherited traits that parents pass to their offspring with a Create-a-Puppy selective dog breeding project.
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Design a Planet Project
Explore the different planets during this design your own planet project for kids.
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Bowerbird Fact File and Research Project
Research the amazing bird that is the Bowerbird with this fact sheet and research templates ready to go.
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Butterfly Camouflage Activity Pack
Experience camouflage in butterflies and create an engaging scientific simulation with our printable butterfly camouflage activity pack.
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Animals That Adapt - Research Project & Report
Strengthen your students' understanding of conducting research with an Animal Adaptations research project.
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Adapting, Migrating, & Hibernating Animals Research Project
Set this classroom project for students to explore the topic of how seasons affect animals, and develop a species-specific profile on a chosen animal.
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Wheel of Heat Transfer Project
Explore the process of heat transfer with this engaging wheel of heat project.
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Sound Energy Project (Rubber Band Musical Instruments)
Use this sound energy experiment to help your students visualize sound using everyday items.
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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.
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Heat Insulators Science Experiment (Keeping Out the Heat)
Investigate heat insulators with your students using this engaging science experiment.