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Inquiry-based learning: Annotated resource list

The resources described below suit professional reading and discussion for teachers in the early years.

Resource and description Details and location
The benefits of inquiry-based learning

A video demonstrating the use of inquiry-based learning. It is part of a suite of videos created for the Inspiring Science Education project.

Inquiry-based project: Cordova Bay Elementary

Canadian teacher–librarian Jean Prevost and her Year 2/3 students describe their experiences and learning during an inquiry-based project.

Kath Murdoch, education consultant

Videos and free materials about inquiry-based learning that teachers can use in their own settings.

Pinterest: Inquiry-based learning

A collection of inquiry-based activities, resources and examples with strong links to project-based learning and the Reggio Emilia way of learning.

Inquiry-based learning

One of a series of e-newsletters with discussion and examples of inquiry-based practice in early years classrooms. It is produced by the National Quality Standard Professional Learning Program.

Touhill, L 2011 Inquiry-Based Learning: National Quality Standard Professional Learning Program. Available from:

Inquiry into representations of art

This article emphasises that inquiry skills should not be taught in isolation and that young children need many opportunities to participate in generating ideas and brainstorming solutions and reflections.The article explores young children's responses to pictures of art through feelings and ideas.

Michalopoulou, A 2014 'Inquiry-based learning through the creative thinking and expression in early years education'. Creative Education, vol.5, no. 6, pp. 377–385. Available from:

Starting inquiry-based science in the early years

This practical book illustrates how to start inquiry-based science projects to support children's emerging scientific skills. It achieves this by providing a range of scientific activities that encourage children to think, talk and find solutions.

Tunnicliffe, S 2015 Starting Inquiry-Based Science in the Early Years: Look, talk, think and do, Routledge, Abingdon.

The Early Childhood Curriculum

Based on research that demonstrates the powerful advantages of integrating curriculum while providing inquiry-based opportunities, this book emphasises inquiry-based methods for whole-child learning. Real-life vignettes demonstrate inquiry and integration.

Krogh, S & Morehouse, P 2014 The Early Childhood Curriculum: Inquiry learning through integration (2nd edn), Routledge, New York.

The Thinking Child

Packed with information about brain-based learning, this book contains practical ideas and suggestions about facilitating inquiry-based learning. It also covers the theoretical connections to brain-based learning.

Call, N & Featherstone, S 2010 The Thinking Child: Brain-based learning in the early years foundation stage (2nd edn), Continuum, New York.

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