An Example of Inquiry Based Learning
Provided is an example of inquiry learning using the model provided by the NSW HSIE curriculum. The Inquiry Based Process is based on the HSIE outcome CUS3.3- Describes different cultural influences and their contribution to Australian identities. Specifically, students will be examining the contribution of some migrant groups to Australian culture and identity
1. Initiate investigation
Key question: How have some migrant groups contributed to Australian culture and identity?
Students identify the purpose of the investigation, ask questions they want to explore and plan how they will go about the investigation by creating a KWL chart individually.
2. Identify and gather information
Students select relevant sources of information by using laptops, computers, books, newspapers, maps, interviews, documentaries and movies to explore the topic and answer questions posed. Students may want to interview a friend or relative to get new insights into how cultures have affected Australian culture and identity.
3. Analyse, organise and sort information
Students analyse their information by creating a timeline and adding in important events that migrants have contributed to Australian culture.
4. Synthesise and communicate information
Students pair up with a buddy to compare 2 different migrant groups that have contributed to Australia identity and culture and compare these using a venn diagram.
Students use pictures of Australian migrants to write how, if they were the migrant in the picture, they would want to contribute to Australian culture and what elements would be the most beneficial to create the best society.
5. Apply information gained to new or different situations
Students create a website with a partner that will assist people who are interested in the effect on migrant groups on Australian culture and identity.
6. Plan and implement action
Re-write the national anthem so it gives thanks to those migrant groups who have positively influenced Australian culture and identity, making Australians who they are today.
Students then write a letter to the government of a country where an important migrant group has come from, thanking them for having a diverse culture that has influenced Australians. Detail how their culture has been ingrained in Australian cultural identity to make Australians who they are today.
7. Reflect on learning
Complete a student evaluation of the learning process of their inquiry investigation by providing details of how they could improve their investigation and answer the question more successfully. Students also complete the 'L' part of the KWL chart.
1. Initiate investigation
Key question: How have some migrant groups contributed to Australian culture and identity?
Students identify the purpose of the investigation, ask questions they want to explore and plan how they will go about the investigation by creating a KWL chart individually.
2. Identify and gather information
Students select relevant sources of information by using laptops, computers, books, newspapers, maps, interviews, documentaries and movies to explore the topic and answer questions posed. Students may want to interview a friend or relative to get new insights into how cultures have affected Australian culture and identity.
3. Analyse, organise and sort information
Students analyse their information by creating a timeline and adding in important events that migrants have contributed to Australian culture.
4. Synthesise and communicate information
Students pair up with a buddy to compare 2 different migrant groups that have contributed to Australia identity and culture and compare these using a venn diagram.
Students use pictures of Australian migrants to write how, if they were the migrant in the picture, they would want to contribute to Australian culture and what elements would be the most beneficial to create the best society.
5. Apply information gained to new or different situations
Students create a website with a partner that will assist people who are interested in the effect on migrant groups on Australian culture and identity.
6. Plan and implement action
Re-write the national anthem so it gives thanks to those migrant groups who have positively influenced Australian culture and identity, making Australians who they are today.
Students then write a letter to the government of a country where an important migrant group has come from, thanking them for having a diverse culture that has influenced Australians. Detail how their culture has been ingrained in Australian cultural identity to make Australians who they are today.
7. Reflect on learning
Complete a student evaluation of the learning process of their inquiry investigation by providing details of how they could improve their investigation and answer the question more successfully. Students also complete the 'L' part of the KWL chart.