Developing IB PYP Inquiry Skills with Science Activities

Hands on science becomes easy to incorporate into your day with this easy prep, inquiry based learning packet of activities that encourages thinking, communication and questioning within children, from 2nd-5th grade. The skills developed from these engineering science activities leave the planning to the children. Developing thinkers and inquirers is a focal point of the International Baccalaureate but also the more recent CCSS. The speaking and listening opportunities are rich within this printable packet.

Each science activity uses minimal materials, mostly paper, sticky tape and scissors. Each task can be done as part of a group, thus adding social skills into the mix, or with a partner. You can have each group working on a single task or rotate the tasks around a few groups.

The children have to read through the instruction, discuss their ideas, decide upon a group plan, re-evaluate their plans based upon progress, constantly communicating with their peers. It is great to encourage their own awareness of their thinking and observations, questions and further inquiries as the project continues.

Simply print the cards and laminate them. There is a recording sheet attached to each card that can be photocopied and cut for any number of students that you wish. These are designed with each activity card in mind but can easily be mix and match too.

You will find:

12 science engineering activity cards

12 different recording sheets, easily differentiated.

If you enjoyed this activity, you may also be interested in my complete science units of inquiry: Interconnectedness within the Rainforest, Animal and Plant Adaptations, the Human Body Systems, to name a few.

Please check out my blog for more inquiry based learning ideas.

Enjoy!

Susan Powers

PYPteachingtools.com