Inquiry and Project-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is when one seeks for the truth, information, or knowledge - seeking information by questioning. Everyone always starts out when given something by asking a question. They either ask, "what do I do with this?", "how can I use it?", or even "where did this come from and how did it come about?". Inquiry-based learning is used by all people. We all ask questions and wonder things. This type of learning helps students get involved with seeking the truth and answering any questions that they might have. This helps them look future into a problem and find the answer. A well-designed inquiring learning produces knowledge and formation that can be widely applied. For example, in a science class, students can observe things from outside and talk about what they see and talk to one another about the knowldge they already have of it.

Inquiry-based learning is also very important because it helps students look future into the question. They may ask us a question and we should always reply in a question which makes them think deeper into their thoughts and have them look more into what they are asking us. We need to conitue to ask students qestions when we are asked one because giving them the answer is just the short cut to their knowledge and by asking a question back they can really think about what they are asking and this helps them explore things. Inquiry-based learning is a great way for students to research and explore new things and for them to really think harder about what they are looking for. I think students are given answers so easily these days and by asking a question when asked a question really helps them see things differently and look further into what they are asking.

Answering a question / High School (but works for all grade levels)

EQ: How do I answer this question?

This is a good essential question because it is very broad. This works for all grade levels and even disabilities. This question can be used in all subject areas and in different situations. It is great from the beginning of a person’s education to even the end. This can help children narrow down information that is given from reading or general information they know about the question. Also, this question is one that everyone thinks about daily, I know I do when I get presented a question and I’m not sure what sources I have so I simply start by asking myself how I can answer it.

UQ1: What information is given to me?
TEKS: 111.31. Algebra 1-B (A.4) The student understands the importance of the skills required to manipulate symbols in order to solve problems and uses the necessary algebraic skills required to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations and inequalities in problem situations. (A) find specific function values, simplify polynomial expressions, transform and solve equations, and factor as necessary in problem situations;(B) use the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to simplify algebraic expressions; and(C) connect equation notation with function notation, such as y = x + 1 and f(x) = x + 1.

UQ2: How do I use the internet to help?
TEKS: 126.22. Computer Science- C. (4) Information acquisition. The student uses a variety of strategies to acquire information from electronic resources, with appropriate supervision. The student is expected to: (A) use local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet and intranet, in research and resource sharing; and (B) construct appropriate electronic search strategies in the acquisition of information including keyword and Boolean search strategies.

UQ3: Is there any other resources available than what I am given?
TEKS: 113.33. World History Studies- B. (2) To support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source material such as biographies and autobiographies; novels; speeches and letters; and poetry, songs, and artworks is encouraged. Selections may include excerpts from Hammurabi's Code. Motivating resources are also available from museums, art galleries, and historical sites.