Curate Classroom Curiosity with Inquiry-Based Learning

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Inquiry-based learning isn’t just the latest teaching trend. It’s a fundamental shift to the way you run your classroom — and it may just be the answer you’ve been looking for to help students truly succeed.

So what is inquiry-based learning, and how do you use it in your instruction? We’ll break down the best inquiry-based learning strategies that you can start using today, along with high-quality, low-prep inquiry-based learning activities for any subject and grade level.

What Is the Inquiry-Based Learning Approach?

Inquiry-based learning, also known as question-based learning, encourages students to use their natural curiosity in the learning process. They approach education as the answer to a question they’re wondering about, rather than a question they’ve been assigned. In most cases, inquiry-based learning builds on project-based learning with an emphasis on a student’s own questions and reflections.

And inquiry-based learning works at any grade level! High school students can spend time on in-depth research projects based on their inquiries, while younger elementary learners develop age-appropriate skills they can use on more straightforward questions.

Types of inquiry-based learning

Just like the students in your classroom, no two inquiry-based learning strategies are exactly the same. There are four main types of instruction that you can use to encourage inquiry-based learning in an upcoming lesson.

You may notice that these types of instruction look a lot like scaffolding steps — and you’re right! A successful approach to inquiry-based learning takes students from the structured beginnings to a more open learning style. 

These steps also work well for differentiation within the same class. More independent students may enjoy heading their own research process, while students who are less sure of their inquiry skills may flourish with more teacher support and guidance.

Steps of inquiry-based learning

You probably already use elements of inquiry-based learning in your classroom. But, for the inquiry-based learning process to successfully take shape for your students, it follows these five primary steps:

1. Orientation: Students come up with questions that they want to learn more about. They can create their own list of questions, brainstorm in small groups, or participate in a whole-class discussion.
2. Conceptualization: Students spend time researching and learning more about their chosen topic. This can be independent work or integrated into your instruction time.
3. Investigation: Students present the project to their teacher and peers. Presentations can include science demonstrations, slideshows, videos, or oral presentations.
4. Conclusion: Students draw conclusions and evaluate the answers to their inquiries. They make judgments about the topic based on what they have learned during the process.
5. Discussion: Students reflect on how the inquiry process went for them. What did they learn? What are they now curious about after researching their topic?

The time it takes for inquiry-based learning depends on your lesson or project. Some inquiry-based learning activities may take several weeks for students to inquire, conceptualize, investigate, and reflect, while others can take just a few days or class periods.

Inquiry-Based Learning Activities for Elementary Classrooms

Ready to bring inquiry-based learning to your classroom? Get younger learners started early with inquiry-based learning activities for multiple subjects, grade levels, and abilities.

Bring inquiry-based learning into everyday instruction

Inquiry-based learning can be part of everything you do in the classroom. Emphasize the importance of asking questions and staying curious every day, no matter the lesson you’re currently teaching!

Inquiry Based Learning Writing, Posters, Book, and More!
By Amanda’s Little Learners
Grades: PreK-5th
Subjects: Basic Principles, Science

Start teaching elementary students the fundamentals of inquiry-based learning from the moment they step into your classroom. Classroom posters, parent letters, sentence stem cards, journal covers, and more encourage children to reflect on what they see, what they think, and what they wonder.

Prepare students with inquiry-based projects

Make your students’ first research project an inquiry-based project! Once students have the question they want to answer, they participate in projects that balance teacher support with independent learning.

Inquiry Based Learning | Inquiry Projects For Any Subject Area
By Teaching With a Touch of Honey
Grades: 1st-3rd
Standards: CCSS W.1.2, 1.8, 2.2, 2.8, 3.2, 3.7, 3.8
Subjects: English Language Arts, Science, Writing

Address Common Core State Standards for writing with an inquiry-based learning activity that works for any lesson. Complete with writing templates, classroom posters, sample questions, and assessment rubrics, this complete resource inspires students to follow their curiosity while supporting them through the inquiry and research process.

Lead curious conversations with inquiry circles

What do your students want to know? Let them discuss their interests and pose compelling questions with discussion groups or inquiry circles. They’ll practice their CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards and learn where — and how — to find the answers they’re looking for. 

Inquiry Based Learning Bundle – Inquiry Discussion Circles and Inquiry Notebook
By Sandra Naufal
Grades: 4th-6th
Standards: All Subjects

Whether you’re an inquiry circle expert or this is your first try, you’ll find everything you need in this thorough resource. With guiding language, teaching tips, anchor charts, notebook covers, and writing templates, this bundle of inquiry-based learning activities makes a great addition to any discussion activity.

Add inquiry-based learning to your math curriculum

Math is all about asking questions. From finding solutions to applying formulas to the real world, math lets young mathematicians pose and answer inquiries in every lesson.

3D Shapes Activity Math Worksheets | Inquiry Based Project Grades 4th 5th 6th
By Teach to Dream
Grades: 4th-6th
Standards: CCSS 6.G.A.4, MP1, MP4, MP5, MP6
Subjects: Applied Math, Geometry

Use math to create a 3D city in an innovative inquiry-based learning activity. Aligned to CCSS Math Standards and designed for upper elementary students, this project challenges individuals or groups to design their own city using 3D shapes. The resource comes with everything you need for implementation, including student templates and teacher assessment tools.

Inquiry-Based Learning Projects for Middle and High Schoolers

After being introduced to this type of learning in elementary school, secondary students can feel confident about asking questions in all their classes. At this age, they’ll have the opportunity to take on a lot more responsibility for what and how they learn. 

Relate to the real world with inquiry-based learning

High school students are about to enter the real world. How much do they know about how it works? Use inquiry-based learning strategies to challenge their understanding of the world around them.

Ecosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological Investigation
By It’s Not Rocket Science
Grades: 9th-12th
Subjects: Biology, Environment

Model a mini ecosystem for your high schoolers with an inquiry-based lab investigation. After learning about essential elements in the atmosphere, students design an aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem out of two-liter bottles. They observe their projects over the course of a month before reflecting on what they’ve learned.

Inquiry-Based Inventors & Inventions Research Project
By Jenifer Stewart
Grades: 4th-8th
Standards: CCSS W.4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2
Subjects: Informational Text, Writing-Expository

Have your students ever wondered how a computer works, or who had the first idea for the internet? Let them lean into their curiosity with a resource that takes them through the steps of an inquiry-based research project. It comes with examples of inventors and inventions, an inquiry process poster, brainstorming pages and organizers, research notes organizers, and much more.

Apply inquiry-based learning skills to social studies

Research, informational writing, and presentation skills are all important parts of inquiry-based learning and any well-crafted social studies lesson. Help students use their inquiry skills in social studies classes, including history, sociology, and world cultures.

World Changers – Inquiry Project Based Learning for Middle & High School
By missarwyn
Grades: 6th-12th
Subjects: English Language Arts, Informational Text, Social Studies

Who has changed the world the most for your students? Have them pose their own questions about humanity’s world changers with a social studies inquiry-based learning project. After creating their own inquiry, class members take notes on five informational sources and present their learning to their peers.

Foster curiosity and develop vital research skills

When you infuse your curriculum with an inquiry-based learning approach, you’re teaching students to think critically about everything, including their own education. Use inquiry-based learning resources to inspire learners to think for themselves, use reputable sources, and come to their own conclusions. Inquisitive students become inquisitive citizens — and asking questions is how the world continues to change!