What is Inquiry?

Along the way, the inquirer collects and records

data, makes representations of results and
Good science education requires both learning
explanations, and draws upon other resources
scientific concepts and developing scientific
such as books, videos, and the expertise or
thinking skills. Inquiry is an approach to learning
insights of others.
that involves a process of exploring the natural
or material world, and that leads to asking
questions, making discoveries, and testing those
Making meaning from the experience requires
discoveries in the search for new
reflection, conversation, comparison of findings
understanding. Inquiry, as it relates to science
with others, interpretation of data and
education, should mirror as closely as possible
observations, and the application of new
the enterprise of doing real science.
conceptions to other contexts. All of these serve
to help the learner construct an improved
mental framework of the world.
The inquiry process is driven by one’s own
ifi@exploratorium.edu
curiosity, wonder, interest, or passion to
understand an observation or to solve a
problem.
Read also the Meaning of Inquiry, page 4 of
The process begins when the learner notices your textbook. And do Activity 1 on page 2
something that intrigues, surprises, or using a pencil.
stimulates a question—something that is new,
or something that may not make sense in
relationship to the learner's previous WHAT IS INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING?
experience or current understanding.
Inquiry-based learning is an approach to
The next step is to take action—through learning that emphasizes the student’s role in
continued observing, raising questions, making the learning process. Rather than the teacher
predictions, testing hypotheses, and creating telling students what they need to know,
conceptual models. students are encouraged to explore the
material, ask questions, and share ideas.

The learner must find her or his own pathway

through this process. It is rarely a linear Inquiry-based learning uses different
progression, but rather more of a back-and- approaches to learning, including small-group
forth, or cyclical, series of events. discussion and guided learning. Instead of
memorizing facts and material, students learn
by doing. This allows them to build knowledge
As the process unfolds, more observations and through exploration, experience, and
questions emerge, providing for deeper discussion.
interaction with the phenomena—and greater
potential for further development of
understanding. IS INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING EFFECTIVE?
Just like experiential learning, inquiry-based An inquiry-based learning approach lets
learning actively engages students in the students share their own ideas and questions
learning process. Students aren’t just hearing or about a topic. This helps foster more curiosity
writing what they are learning. Instead, about the material and teaches skills students
students get the chance to explore a topic more can use to continue exploring topics they are
deeply and learn from their own first-hand interested in.
experiences.

Deepens students’ understanding of topics

We retain 75% of what we do compared to 5%
Rather than simply memorizing facts, students
of what we hear and 10% of what we read.
make their own connections about what they
Inquiry-based learning allows students to better
are learning. This allows them to gain a better
understand and recall material by actively
understanding of a topic than they would get by
engaging with it and making their own
just memorizing and recalling facts.
connections.

Allows students to take ownership of their

THE BENEFITS OF INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING
learning
Now that you know more about this learning
Students have the opportunity to explore a
approach, let’s take a look at the advantages
topic, giving them more of a sense of ownership
and benefits of inquiry-based learning.
over their learning. Instead of the teacher
telling them what they should know, students
are able to learn in a way that works for them.
Enhances learning experiences for children

Sitting in a classroom taking notes isn’t always

the most effective (or fun) way to learn. Rather Increases engagement with the material
than memorizing facts from the teacher,
As a form of active learning, this approach
inquiry-based learning enhances the learning
encourages students to fully engage in the
process by letting students explore topics
learning process. By allowing students to
themselves.
explore topics, make their own connections,
and ask questions, they are able to learn more
effectively.
Teaches skills needed for all areas of learning

As they explore a topic, students build critical

thinking and communication skills. The Creates a love of learning
cognitive skills that students develop can be
Inquiry-based learning is designed to teach
used to improve comprehension in every
students a love of learning. When students are
subject, as well as in day-to-day life.
able to engage with the material in their own
way, not only are they able to gain a deeper
understanding—they are able to develop a
Fosters curiosity in students
passion for exploration and learning.
from Grade Power Learning
 Hit this link to answer this summative activity
beginning Tuesday:
Also read Inquiry-Based Learning;
https://ssap.aralinks.net/mod/quiz/view.php?
Governing Principles or Foundation of Inquiry
id=55122
and Its Benefits, pages 4-6 of your textbook.
Answer question #s 1, 3, 7, 8 under Activity 1.

Concept Application *Should link not work, go to Concept

Application outside these pages.
Now that you have learned important ideas on
INQUIRY, INQUIRY-BASED ACTIVITIES, and
RESEARCH, you are now challenged to put this
understanding to real-life issues.

Our government is still finding ways to protect

us from the Covid virus. The number of victims
is still growing, however. Other than
vaccination, there must be something
(measure, policy, activity, etc), that our leaders
have not introduced or implemented yet to end
this pandemic. Or, most probably, actions in
place are not implemented efficiently to effect
significant change.

CHOOSE ONLY ONE QUESTION TO ANSWER.

(Write the question you will answer.)

What specific action or arrangement should the

government introduce or implement to effect
positive results in the fight against Covid?

How can a one specific policy, measure, or

activity be improved to effect better results in
the figfht against Covid?

Share your science-inspired and evidence-based

suggestion in 4-5 sentences.

CRITERIA: 14 - Relevance to guide questions; 3 -

Writing mechanics and language quality; 3 -
Conciseness (as prescribed in instructions)