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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Science Experiment - Cover to Conserve
A science experiment that investigates if evaporation can be reduced by covering a body of water.
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Celebrating Inspirational Women Inquiry Task
An inquiry task to use in the classroom when learning about inspirational contemporary women.
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Patterns Math Investigation - Bands of Friendship
A mathematics investigation involving patterns, embedded in a real-world context.
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2-D Shape Math Investigation - My Crazy Playhouse!
A mathematics investigation involving 2-D shape, embedded in a real-world context.
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Volume Investigation - Creating the Land of Cubes
A mathematics investigation involving volume, embedded in a real-world context.
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Design a Garden Math Project
Get students to design a garden with this student-centered perimeter project for 3rd and 4th grade students.
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Electricity Experiment
An experiment to investigate if electricity moves better through different gage wires.
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Shelter Building - Experiment
A hands-on experiment to use when investigating how shelters protect living things.
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Balloon Rocket - Experiment
A hands-on experiment to use when investigating how energy can make things move.
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Celebrations Around The World - Inquiry Task
A four page inquiry task, assessing students' knowledge of cultural celebrations from around the world.
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Build a Board Game – Math Challenge
Challenge students to design and create a math board game.
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Science Experiment - True Colors
A science experiment that explores the perception of color.
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Salt Water Density Experiment
A hands-on science experiment about salt water density.
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Chance and Data Math Investigation - Roll Me a Six!
A mathematics investigation involving chance and data, embedded in a real-world context.
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Data Math Investigation - Which Reward?
A mathematics investigation involving data collection and representation, embedded in a real-world context.
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Science Experiment - Angles of Reflection
A science experiment that explores reflected light.
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Science Experiment - Shine Bright, Electric Light!
A science experiment that investigates how changes to electrical circuits affects their components.
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Science Experiment - Lights Line Up!
A science experiment which explores light.
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Liquid Volume Math Investigation - Bath Time at the Farm!
A mathematics investigation involving liquid volume, embedded in a real-world context.
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Financial Planning Math Investigation - My Day at Leisure Land!
A mathematics investigation involving financial planning embedded in a real-world context.
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3D Shapes Math Investigation - Make Me a Radical Robot!
Relate knowledge of 3D shapes to the real world with this student-led mathematics project.
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Changing Shadows – Science Experiment
A science experiment which explores how shadows change throughout the day.
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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.
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Science Experiment - What Snacks Do Ants Prefer?
A science experiment which explores the food preferences of ants.
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The Solar System in Our Space – Mathematics Investigation
A mathematics investigation about number and the scale of the solar system, embedded in a real-world context.
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Science Experiment - Line Up the Light!
A science experiment which explores how light travels.
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Math Investigation - Exploring Fractions
A mathematics investigation about fractions, embedded in a real-world context.
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Financial Mathematics Math Investigation - Let's Play Mini Golf!
A mathematics investigation about financial mathematics and measurement, embedded in a real-world context.
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Rio Carnival - Inquiry Research Task
An inquiry task where students research the history of Rio Carnival.
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Develop a Habitat - Garden Project
A project-based assessment task for students to demonstrate their understanding of how habitats can be preserved and protected in and around where people live.
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Mass Math Investigation - How Much Do We Throw Away?
A mathematics investigation about measuring mass, embedded in a real-world context.
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Olympic Host City Research & Speech-Writing Task
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of being the host city for the Olympics in this 3-page inquiry task.