inquirED Blog
Your source for inquiry-based learning and teaching strategies.
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Lesson Strategies
"Yes, And..." | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
This structured protocol helps students respond and add to others’ ideas rather than criticizing or modifying them. Use it to support students’ development of individual project ideas and their ability to thought-partner with each other.
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Lesson Strategies
Idea Clustering | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Idea Clustering allows students to see the connections their ideas have with others’ ideas, supporting the development of collaborative projects or topics of investigation. Use this process to help establish interest groups for collaborative work, or to synthesize many diverse ideas into a more concise list of options.
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Lesson Strategies
I Like, I Wonder | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
This protocol supports students’ ability to share their undeveloped ideas with peers while receiving affirmation and getting initial, low- stakes feedback. Use this format to support critique skills and peer collaboration as new ideas are being developed in an inquiry.
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Lesson Strategies
Predict Learn Conclude | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Guide students through prediction, investigation, and reflection with the Predict, Learn, Conclude strategy and downloadable graphic organizer.
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Lesson Strategies
See Think Wonder | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
See, Think, Wonder helps students make observations, form inferences, and generate questions about a visual source or artifact. Use it to spark wonderings or introduce new topics.
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Lesson Strategies
Mingle Pair Share | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Mingle Pair Shares are a great way to get students moving around the classroom and talking to different classmates. Use this strategy to encourage students to hear from a variety of perspectives in response to an open-ended question or experience.
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Lesson Strategies
Note Card Reflection | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
This reflection protocol prompts students to identify key takeaways from a Unit or other sustained inquiry experience. Use this to support students in sharing their thoughts with the whole class and making connections to others’ ideas.
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Lesson Strategies
Concentric Circles | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Concentric Circles get students talking to different classmates, allowing them to hear from a variety of perspectives in response to a series of prompts. This protocol fosters understanding of different perspectives while promoting students’ speaking and listening skills.
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Lesson Strategies
Artifact Study | Inquiry Lesson Plan Strategy
Artifact studies challenge students to analyze a primary source by identifying evidence, explaining interpretations, and drawing conclusions. Use this format when students analyze an unfamiliar primary source individually, in small groups, or as a whole class.
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Take a closer look at Inquiry Journeys
Inquiry Journeys (K–5 social studies curriculum) provides inquiry-based instruction for young learners through hands-on investigations and primary source analysis. Explore how elementary students build knowledge and skills by asking questions, analyzing evidence, and connecting learning to their lives and communities.
