Inquiry as a Process
I have created a number of inquiry-based units throughout my teaching career. Inquiry is a process where students are encouraged to ask real-world questions and then use a variety of skills in order to explore that question and present their findings. The IB PYP programme and the Cambridge Global Perspectives both use inquiry as the basis to help develop conceptual understandings and I have included examples of each below.
Example One - PYP Unit - Where we are in place and time
Central idea - Land ownership and use is viewed in different ways and can change over time.
1. 2017 Land use is viewed in different ways and can change over time_.docxPYP planner (with end-of-unit reflection).
NZ Land Use displays.pptxCentral idea, lines of inquiry, skills and attitudes (for display).
Issues with land use LOTUS GRID - Diagnostic.docxLotus Grid analysing land use (completed with the whole class).
West coast land use Now and then.pptxBank of useful sites to support small group research and evaluation checklist.
Example Two - PYP Unit - How we organise ourselves.
Central idea - Entrepreneurs research, develop, market and evaluate products or services.
1. Entrepreneurs research, develop, market and evaluate products or services (2017) _.docxPYP planner (with end-of-unit reflection).
Market place displays.pptxCentral idea, lines of inquiry, skills and attitudes (for display).
Preparation for the Dragon's Den panel.docxPreparation guidelines for groups for the Dragon's Den.
Marketplace brainstorm and Dragon evaluation.docxBrainstorm for products with risk analysis and Dragon Den evaluation form.
Example Four - Cambridge Global Perspectives Unit - Making a Splash
Research focus: What impact do humans have on the availability of clean, drinking water?
