Inquiry based projects are research projects conducted by the students. They are outgrowths of classroom content. Through curricular content and class work, students' interests should be piqued. Students can choose an aspect of the material covered and create an inquiry project on that aspect of the material.
The project begins with a question that the student wants answered. The question should be one that drives the student to research content and attain a higher level of understanding about the topic. For example, if a student is interested in mummification in Egypt, the student can pursue an inquiry based project on Egyptian mummification. The student should compile data that helps that student discover something new or different about mummification.
The inquiry based projects are process oriented. Because this is not a report where facts are assembled and presented, but instead a compilation of data from which conclusions can be drawn, students will focus on the process of inquiry. The product will be a record of the valuable learning experience. The process through which the student obtained the data will comprise the bulk of the grade.
Once you decide on your topic, it is time to generate questions related to your topic. To get started, go to the THINK TANK page to read about formulating a question that will drive an inquiry project. Click the following link:
From these questions, you will develop a focus question. This is the question you keep coming back to; it keeps you on track. Most of the other questions fit under the focus question.
Good researchers continue questioning as they learn new knowledge. New knowledge begets new questions which in turn moves you closer to understanding and answering your focus question.
Two websites on which you can find massive amounts of information are:
Mr. Dowling's Electronic Passport
Mr. Donn's Ancient History Page
