Elementary Inquiry Lesson

Third grade students were introduced to a four step inquiry process through an activity called ‘Huff ‘n Puff’ in which a student had to try to move a cotton ball the furthest distance using ... See More

Third grade students were introduced to a four step inquiry process through an activity called ‘Huff ‘n Puff’ in which a student had to try to move a cotton ball the furthest distance using a straw at a fixed location. This was a challenge to see if a third grader could blow it further than a first grader. In this activity they learned to ask questions, design a fair activity and interpret graphs. Students analyzed what they learned. All aspects of this lesson are presented as well as adaptations for special learners so that the reader can duplicate it in their own classroom. This is a good article and good activity.

Interest driven learning at its best

By picking a topic in which students were interested, the author was able to motivate students to learn about force and motion and practice inquiry skills. Within the article, analysis of e... See More

By picking a topic in which students were interested, the author was able to motivate students to learn about force and motion and practice inquiry skills. Within the article, analysis of experimental design is included as well as the directions for the activity, recommendations for accommodations for special needs students, and samples of student writing templates.