Inquiry-Based Learning

Curiosity is a scientist’s superpower! Young people are naturally curious, making observations and asking questions about their world. When a child notices a cardinal fly by and wonders how it got its red feathers, they might not realize it, but they’re already thinking like a scientist. As educators and families, we can encourage students to embrace their inner scientist. Explore the resources below to help you inspire learners to get outside, make observations, and conduct their own science investigations.

Embrace Authentic Science Learning with Students as Scientists

Students as Scientists uses nature to inspire curiosity and scaffold student-driven scientific investigations. These free, grade-banded units include six lessons plus slides and handouts that will help you guide your students to ask and answer their own questions, bringing the excitement of doing real science to your classroom! Available in K-5 and 6-12 versions.

Youth building a feeder from upcycled materials.

Spark Student Design Thinking with a Feeder Design Challenge

Introduce youth to nature and birds through an engineering design challenge. Help your local birds and spark your students’ curiosity while they plan, design, and build their own feeders from recyclable and found materials. Build critical thinking skills with this fun, collaborative challenge.

Two slides from the Think Like a Scientist Cooped Up Kids lesson

Ignite Curiosity at Home

Encourage your children to think like a scientist with Cooped Up Kids Activity 10. This activity combines independent and adult-guided learning that gets K-8th grade kids exploring nature and discovering their inner scientist through engaging Google slideshows and fun, hands-on activities.

Explore the Common Feeder Bird Interactive

Start your bird feeding journey with FeederWatch’s Common Feeder Bird interactive. Explore a list of more than 100 common feeder birds and discover which combination of seed and feeder type will attract the most birds in your region.

To help you get started on your inquiry journey, our sponsors invite you to enjoy $5.00 off Wild Delight® Outdoor Pet Products, 3-D® Bird Food, or Better Bird® product. To print your coupon, right click on the image and select “open image in new tab.” From there, you should be able to print as usual. Expires 12/31/2026.

These resources are available for free thanks to our friends below, who generously support our work to make science hands-on and relevant through inquiry investigations.