Teachers can use the Open ended enquiry-technique throughout different subjects in the following ways:
1. Introduce a broad topic
Choose a topic that matches their interests, such as nature, technology or everyday life.
For example, “How does a rainbow work?”, “Why do some objects float?” or “What can you do with different blocks of wood?
2. Encourage questioning
Let the children think of questions about the topic. Use prompts such as
- ‘What do you want to know about this?
- ‘What do you think would happen if…?
- What can you do with it?
3. Make a choice
Help the children to choose a research question that is feasible and concrete, e.g:
- ‘How can we make a rainbow?
- Which materials sink in water and which don’t?
- How can we build something?
4. Planning the research
Let the children work out for themselves how to answer their question:
For younger children: Give simple choices (experiment, observe, draw).
For older children: Encourage their own experiments or data collection.
5. Experiment and discover
Let the children carry out their plans. Examples:
- Make a rainbow with a glass of water and a mirror.
- Test different objects in water to see what floats.
- Build a tower with different types of blocks and on different surfaces.
6. Reflect and share
Let the children share their findings:
- Draw pictures, make diagrams or give oral presentations.
- Discuss what they have learned and how they know, using pictures or designs they have made.