Inquiry-Based Learning in 5th Grade

This topic submitted by Sherry Priest ( TLMW_SPRIEST@k12server.mveca.ohio.g ) at 7:44 on 3/3/99. Additions were last made on Monday, April 3, 2000.

Inquiry-based learning is a rewarding and challenging experience in 5th grade! The students are actively involved in their education, and that makes them a willing participant in the process. I have found that teamwork, problem-solving, and being willing to fail are positive rewards from "discovery learning". I have also found that science, which is a subject I found boring myself, has become more interesting and exciting as my class and I "uncover evidence" to either prove or disprove information. The children understand and can apply the scientific method, which will help with their science fair projects.

The hard part is the organization and having enough time for the inquiries. I have two classes of science for approximately 45 minutes a day. I also have 5 computers in my classroom, so it takes some logistics to get all groups access to all the various information. The good thing is that I now have internet access in the classroom, which has opened infinite opportunities for my students and myself. Also some of my students are not as self-guided (imagine that), as others so there are times I step back from being a facilitator and consultant. Some of my students have embraced inquiry-based learning and have taken off at full-steam, others are being pushed and pulled along.

I use inquiry-based learning in math and science. We have done probability lessons, along with using hands-on activities to investigate math concepts also. I was lucky enough to participate in Project Discovery and have been a fan of "discovery learning" for 2 years now.

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It is 12:53:40 AM on Monday, November 23, 2009. Last Update: Monday, April 3, 2000