- Emily J.
- Monday, April 26, 2021
While this standard can easily be incorporated into thematic units, it can also be weaved into everyday experiences. Anytime your child asks, “why does,” or “what is” is an opportunity to explore a topic in books. Books plus experience are the perfect recipe for growing a reader, learner, and thinker. Here are some inquiry-based projects we’ve done in the past: Inquiry and Investigation Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
Inquiry and investigation is guided by student curiosity. Students brainstorm questions, research, ask meaningful questions, experiment, ask more meaningful questions, and come to a conclusion—which may lead to more meaningful questions. This process exercises the thinking muscles so deep learning can occur. Each question probes further and strengthens the learning muscle.
"How will I know that my 3rd grader has mastered this standard?"
My child can develop questions that focus thinking about an idea in order to decide further study
My child can plan and collect relevant information from primary and secondary sources.
My child can draw reasonable conclusions from relationships and patterns found during the inquiry process
My child can determine appropriate tools and develop a plan to communicate findings and/or take informed action.
My child can examine the learning process and consider how to apply new ways of thinking to future study.
In Andrea Beaty’s book, Ada Twist Scientist, Ada has a knack for asking questions—really thoughtful questions. Yes, Ada is a scientist, but even more she’s a thinker and knows how to investigate a problem. One day a mysterious smell lurks into Ada’s nose. She begins to “rattle off question” to discover the source of the smell. Could it be dad’s cabbage stew? Or the cat? Ada hypothesizes and experiments—and again, asks more questions. She fails one experiment and another, without batting an eye. What could be a better illustration of an inquiry and investigation? Trying until it works.
Getting Started: How to Ask Questions
Questions help children identify the road map for the investigative process. They start by tapping into their background knowledge by asking “what do I know about this topic already?”. Next, they form inquiries by asking, “what do I want to learn about this topic.” Deep learning happens when we are able to connect what we already know with what we learn.
How do I teach children to ask thoughtful questions to guide their research? Reading Rockets has a great information on How to Increase Higher Order thinking.
Tools to help with Investigation
Graphic organizers help to visually organize thoughts, ideas, and questions. They also help students reflect back on their thinking and learning—and how their thoughts may have changed.
Try this Know-Want to Know-Learned Graphic Organizer from National Council of Teachers of English. Learn more KWL charts and how to use them by clicking here.
Research
Part of the investigation process is pinpointing resources that provide the best research for a topic. The library is a great place to start any investigation. Try these resources:
Ask-a-Librarian: Collecting books for research couldn’t be easier. We will pull books on any topic.
Richland Library Databases: This is a rich collection of resources that will provide your child with information on any topic. Perfect for elementary to high school students.
It’s important to note that the databases will read each article aloud. If your student is not a great eye-reader they have the option to ear-read or listen to the information read aloud.
Phet Stimulations Interactive:Test your hypotheses and examine how things work with math and science stimulations created by University of Colorado Boulder.
Students in Action
Watch this video produced by Edutopia where students and teachers put inquiry and investigation into action.
Do you want to explore more SC Education Standards?
Visit the Richland Library's SC Education Standards page.
Let us help you with your next inquiry. We can find books on any topic. Try Richland Library’s Get Personalized and get recommendations from the Children’s Room.
Below is a list of books about characters using inquiry and investigation