Inquiry- and Project-Based Learning

The need for both inquiry- and project-based learning into a unit plan is essential. In order for a lesson to be thoroughly taught, a teach must incorporate different activities that engage the learner both mentally and physically. For the learner to be immersed in the topic and to really become educated on the subject, they must be go through a series of different learning methods. Inquiry-based learning will help the students answer questions facilitated by the teacher, themselves and other peers. It will help them learn through seeking knowledge on their own. Project-based learning will give the students hands-on experience. This is great because many children are bodily or kinesthetic learners. Also, it's great because they get to incorporate their creativity into many of the project-based activities. It opens many doors for these young learners.

For my particular unit plan, my topic was on Culture. The grade level I chose was Kindergarten. My essential question was "How does culture affect me?" My unit questions were as follows:
"Why is culture significant?"
"What are parts/features of my own culture?"
"What do you think about culture?"

The importance of inquiry-based learning in this unit plan would be great because much of the knowledge the children will be learning will be completely new to them. These are young learners so many questions will arise so therefore many inquiry-based learning will be implemented.

The significance of project-based learning is also high because of the topic that is being studied here. The possibilities of projects for this unit plan is endless and opens oppurtunities for children to learn about cultures in many creative ways. We created a Unit Plan to help guide us in our future projects for this class!