Inquiry Based Learning

Inquiry based learning is a great way to keep students engaged and thinking critically. I think it would be a good idea if I try to use the student's interests and sense of wonder to guide their learning. Because when students have a motivation for learning, they will learn faster and easier. Inquiry relates to learning in all areas of study and is an opportunity for students to have more active experiences and less paper and pencil tasks. 

Although I am not yet a teacher, in my opinion, science seemed to be the perfect subject for hands-on learning. It encourages inquiry-based learning through student reading books, research, generated questions and discussions, and communication. Students construct knowledge with one another by asking questions and explaining their understandings. 

Investigation is a brilliant way to spark scientific inquiry. For example, students could identify, research, and report what they have learned about a mysterious bug found on the playground or the can research ocean animals or even dinosaurs. They can write journal entries as well. In this science/language arts lesson, students will develop goals for inquiry. They will also improve content area reading, writing and research skills.

Manipulating a Digital Image Using Photoshop Elements

I used three pictures:
First, a photo of my daughter ( Najla).

Second, a picture of wings.Retrieved from http://glitzglambodyart.com/product/dress-up-and-costumes/butterfly-wing-fairy-wing-costume-for-girls-rainbow-2

License: Permission obtained from the owner.

Third, candy land background. Retrieved from http://pixgood.com/candyland-backgrounds.html

License: The website states that all images should be freeware in this link http://pixgood.com/contact.html

Finally, Najla in candy land.

How I can use this image in my classroom?

Getting started when beginning a writing piece is where most of the students struggle. One way to help students get started is through picture writing prompts. 

Through pictures, students generate ideas for writing. I can I ask my students to look at the picture and imagine what would happen if they had wings and flew to candy land ?

With this cute picture, my students can practice generating ideas, creative writing, handwriting, spelling, building sentences, and most importantly, they'll exercise their imagination. They will use the picture for inspiration to make a beautiful story.

Supporting Inquiry with Primary Sources