Inquiry Insights & Resources
Tools and Research for Transforming Learning Environments
Articles
Concept-based Driving Questions
This Opening Paths blog post introduces the idea of “concept-based driving questions”—a practical framework for creating big, meaningful questions that spark deeper learning and engagement. Teachers should read the post in full because it doesn’t just give theory; it breaks down clear, actionable steps for designing questions that make curricula more relevant and inquiry-driven. If…
“I Wonder” Questions
The Edutopia article “I Wonder’ Questions: Harnessing the Power of Inquiry” explores how teachers at Crellin Elementary School use students’ spontaneous questions—called “I wonder” questions—to drive inquiry-based learning in the classroom. Rather than dismissing or sidelining off-topic or curious questions, teachers actively record these wonderings using various methods such as journals, sticky notes, or classroom…
Professional Development Opportunities at the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress Professional Development page offers a comprehensive suite of free, primary source-based professional development opportunities for educators. Teachers can access onsite workshops, self-paced online modules, live webinars, and ready-to-use professional development activities, all designed to enhance their skills in teaching with primary sources. The site also provides professional development videos and opportunities…
Lesson Plans & Templates
Civics! An American Musical
Civics! An American Musical is a free, interactive educational game for middle school students that combines history, civics, and the arts by having players create a Broadway musical based on real historical events, using primary sources from the Library of Congress. It engages students in civic inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity through inquiry-based learning about…
Voices for Suffrage
Voices for Suffrage is a free educational web application focused on the history of the U.S. Women’s Suffrage Movement from 1848 to 1920, offering interactive timelines, maps, guided tours with videos and primary sources, a searchable database of over 700 historical documents, and engaging games that allow students to explore key moments in the movement.…
Private i History Detectives
Private i History Detectives is a K–5 social studies curriculum designed to make history and civics engaging for younger students through inquiry-based, mystery-themed lessons. It’s a strong resource for teachers because it offers standards-aligned lesson plans that are easy to implement, require minimal prep, and integrate a wide range of primary sources like photos, videos,…
Video Guides
Modelling Inquiry in the Classroom
This video highlights how modeling helps students better understand expectations and stay engaged during inquiry-based learning by showing them exactly what to do before asking them to work independently. It’s especially effective in language classrooms and supports key skills like questioning, research, and reflection. Teachers will find useful strategies for using visual aids, peer modeling,…
How to Get Into Inquiry-Based Learning (Part 4: 4 Student Inquiry Skills to Nurture and Assess)
Part four of this video series by the Ontario Science Centre highlights how this approach builds critical skills like thinking, planning, communication, and data analysis through active problem-solving, while also enabling effective content assessment beyond traditional tests. It emphasizes four key skills—brainstorming, planning, data collection, analysis, and communication—and shows how teachers support learning by engaging…
How to Get Into Inquiry-Based Learning (Part 3: 5 Skills to Become an Inquiry Teacher)
Part three of the Ontario Science Centre’s video series on inquiry-based learning focuses on the key teaching skills necessary to successfully implement this approach in the classroom. It emphasizes that teachers must be flexible, patient, and open to unexpected directions, treating student questions and deviations not as distractions but as valuable opportunities for deeper engagement.…
Classroom Demonstrations
Reinventing a Public High School with Problem-Based Learning
Samamish High School is shifting from traditional teaching to a problem-based learning model that puts students at the center of their education by focusing on real-world issues and collaborative problem solving. The video gives a clear look at how this transformation is happening, what kind of support teachers need, and how students benefit from this…
Inquiry-Based K-12 Science Instruction
This video offers an inspiring look at how science education is evolving to be more hands-on, inclusive, and inquiry-driven, making it a great resource for teachers interested in shifting away from textbook-heavy instruction toward more engaging, student-centered learning. It highlights how students thrive when they’re encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and find solutions on their…
Insight on Inquiry: Starting the Year in Kindergarten
This video offers a great example of how inquiry-based learning can come to life in an early childhood classroom through a year-long exploration of “mini beasts” like bees, snails, and worms. The teacher creates a rich, hands-on environment where students’ curiosity leads the way, using real-world experiences like watching bees on flowers or snails crawling…
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