Inquiry Based Learning is a student-centered, teacher-guided approach where students investigate real-world topics through a learning process. It creates a unique learning environment where students can have authentic experiences that lead to discovery and deep understanding. The 5E model is used to implement inquiry, engaging students, allowing them to explore, helping them explain their understanding, and challenging them to elaborate on their ideas. Evaluation occurs throughout as students reflect on and assess their learning.

1. Inquiry Based Learning
Kate Morris

2. Inquiry Based Learning is…
• Student-centered
• Teacher-guided
• Engaging
• Investigating real-world topics
• A learning process

3. Inquiry Based Learning Creates…
• A unique and interesting learning
environment
• Authentic, meaningful experiences
• Discovery and deep, enduring
understandings
https://flic.kr/p/bVACx8

4. Implementing Inquiry with the 5 Es
Evaluate
Engage
Explore
Explain
Elaborate

5. Engage
• Tap into students’ prior knowledge
• Spark interest in the topic

6. Explore
• Provide an investigation or activity to
develop student understanding
– Hands-on or interactive
– Independent, partnered, or group

7. Explain
• Students formulate an explanation
• Confirm student understandings and
clarify any misconceptions

8. Elaborate
• Challenge students’ thoughts and ideas
• Create an opportunity to deepen
understandings

9. Evaluate
• Students reflect on their experiences
• Assess student understanding

10. Evaluate
Engage
Explore
Explain
Elaborate

11. Sources
BSCS 5E instructional model. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bscs.org/bscs-
5e-instructional-model
Northeastern Illinois University. (n.d.). Inquiry based learning. Retrieved from
http://www.neiu.edu/~middle/Modules/science mods/amazon
Why inquiry?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://galileo.org/teachers/designing-
learning/articles/why-inquiry/
Slide 1:
Leopold, C. (Photographer). (2008, September 20). Frontier Classroom [Web
Photo]. Retrieved from https://flic.kr/p/5qQvgh
Slide 2 -3:
woodleywonderworks. (Photographer). (2012, June 8). Insect Convention
[Classroom Pano] [Web Photo]. Retrieved from https://flic.kr/p/bVACx8
Slides 5-9:
Discovery Education. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
Images