![People observing a mushroom](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2020-06/people_looking_at_mushroom.jpg?itok=Y0DvjB_H)
Inquiry Approach to Learning
Backgrounders
Inquiry is an approach to learning that engages our natural curiosity and desire to make sense of the world.
![A student, thinking](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Predicting.jpg?itok=N4tkk7zM)
Predicting
Teaching STEM
The skill of predicting involves forecasting what is believed will occur in the future.
![Students with raised hands](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Questioning.jpg?itok=qq5jjmx6)
Questioning
Teaching STEM
The skill of questioning allows students to pursue their ideas and explore the world around them.
![Students making a plan](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Planning.jpg?itok=XjklFEOf)
Planning
Teaching STEM
Planning is a thinking skill that involves identifying methods, materials and a sequence of events to reach a goal, complete a project or accomplish a task.
![Students observing](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Observing.jpg?itok=ndInefKl)
Observing
Teaching STEM
The skill of observing involves using all of the senses, as appropriate, to find out about the characteristics, properties and attributes of objects, places and events.
![Students making connections](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Making_connections.jpg?itok=DLCQ7-li)
Making Connections
Teaching STEM
The ability to make connections involves a process of connecting prior knowledge to new knowledge and experiences.
![Children sorting recycled objects](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Sorting_and_classifying.jpg?itok=FyX4Q5Si)
Sorting & Classifying
Teaching STEM
The process of sorting involves grouping objects or events according to their similarities whereas the process of classifying involves grouping objects or events into pre-determined groups.
![Children exploring pattern blocks](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Comparing_and_contrasting.jpg?itok=4HEg6DQz)
Comparing & Contrasting
Teaching STEM
Comparing and contrasting are ways of looking at things to determine how they are alike and how they are different.
![Student recording data](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Recording_data.jpg?itok=qa1ukear)
Recording Data
Teaching STEM
The skill of recording data involves the documenting of data and observations in a variety of forms in order to preserve it for later use.
![Students and teacher working safely](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Working_safely.jpg?itok=ykXhgk7s)
Working Safely
Teaching STEM
The skill of working safely involves students taking responsibility for their own safe participation, and the safety of others, during Inquiries and Design & Build challenges.
![Students analyzing and interpreting](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Analyzing-and-interpreting.jpg?itok=VCWKippJ)
Analyzing & Interpreting
Teaching STEM
Analyzing data is a process of looking for patterns in data that has been collected through inquiry and figuring out about what the patterns might mean. Interpreting the data is a process of trying to explain the patterns that were discovered.
![Students working together](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Working_collaboratively.jpg?itok=D42Q5Wfd)
Working Collaboratively
Teaching STEM
Working collaboratively is the act of working effectively with other students and/or adults within diverse groupings. It is an essential part of conducting science.
![Girl with raised hand](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Communicating.jpg?itok=-9iskBtH)
Communicating
Teaching STEM
Communication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, and/or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.
![group of children](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Using_appropriate_vocabulary.jpg?itok=8a0Pv84X)
Using Appropriate Vocabulary
Teaching STEM
The skill of using appropriate vocabulary involves exploring new vocabulary in context and developing the ability to use vocabulary to communicate thinking and learning.
![Students reflecting on their work with teacher](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Reflecting.jpg?itok=G51o8sUx)
Reflecting
Teaching STEM
Reflecting is a process whereby students use critical thinking skills to look back on a learning experience in terms of things that went well and areas where there may be room for growth/change.