How can you integrate inquiry and projects across subjects?

1 Choose an interdisciplinary theme

One way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to choose a theme that connects to multiple disciplines and allows for different perspectives and approaches. For example, you could choose a theme such as sustainability, identity, culture, or innovation, and design inquiries and projects that relate to science, social studies, language arts, math, or arts. A theme can provide a common focus and purpose for learning, and help students make connections and transfer knowledge across subjects.

2 Align learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Another way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to align the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each subject area. This means that you have to identify the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes that you want students to develop and demonstrate through their inquiry and project work, and how you will measure their progress and achievement. You can use a framework such as the 21st century skills or the International Baccalaureate learner profile to guide your alignment process. You can also create rubrics or checklists that reflect the expectations and standards for each subject area.

3 Incorporate student voice and choice

A third way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to incorporate student voice and choice in the learning process. This means that you give students some autonomy and ownership over their inquiry and project work, and allow them to pursue their interests, passions, and questions. You can do this by providing students with options for topics, questions, methods, resources, products, or audiences, and by encouraging them to co-construct the inquiry and project criteria with you. You can also use strategies such as brainstorming, surveys, interviews, or portfolios to elicit and document student feedback and reflections.

4 Use technology and digital tools

A fourth way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to use technology and digital tools to enhance the learning experience. Technology and digital tools can help students access, organize, analyze, create, and share information, as well as collaborate and communicate with others. You can use technology and digital tools such as online platforms, databases, simulations, multimedia, or apps to support students' inquiry and project work across subjects. You can also use technology and digital tools to facilitate the assessment and evaluation of students' inquiry and project work, such as online portfolios, blogs, or presentations.

5 Facilitate collaboration and communication

A fifth way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to facilitate collaboration and communication among students, teachers, and other stakeholders. Collaboration and communication are essential skills for inquiry and project-based learning, as they enable students to learn from each other, exchange ideas, solve problems, and present their findings. You can facilitate collaboration and communication by creating opportunities for students to work in groups, pairs, or individually, depending on the task and the purpose. You can also facilitate collaboration and communication by inviting experts, parents, or community members to participate in the inquiry and project work, as mentors, consultants, or audiences.

6 Review and reflect on the learning process

A sixth way to integrate inquiry and projects across subjects is to review and reflect on the learning process and the outcomes. This means that you and your students engage in regular and ongoing self-assessment, peer-assessment, and teacher-assessment throughout the inquiry and project work, and use the feedback to improve your practice and performance. You can review and reflect on the learning process and the outcomes by using strategies such as journals, logs, rubrics, checklists, or conferences. You can also review and reflect on the learning process and the outcomes by celebrating and showcasing students' inquiry and project work, such as through exhibitions, fairs, or publications.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?