Inquiry-based Learning Resource Resource For Language Arts and Social Studies

Inquiry-Based Learning English Language Arts and Social Studies Projects for Grades 6–9

The Inquiry-Based Learning English Language Arts and Social Studies Projects for Grades 6–9 resource package is available as a Google Doc for you to make a copy for use in your classroom.

Copyright 2025 Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers Association (myPITA).
Written by Sarah Lynes.
This CC BY-NC-SA license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator, Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers Association (myPITA). If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.

This resource will provide educators with a step-by-step guide, handouts, and assessment resources for implementing an inquiry-based curriculum using these strategies:

Develop student research skills, literacy skills, and critical thinking skills
Facilitate project-based learning and inquiry
Encourage student collaboration
Allow for multiple means of engagement
Provide ongoing formative assessment
Reflection opportunities and setting goals for improvement
Connecting learning experiences to curricular, core competencies and content

Using this resource, educators will provide a dynamic learning environment promoting deep learning and critical thinking skills. Inquiry-based learning equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong learning and independent exploration while cultivating ownership over their learning. The big ideas and curricular competencies for Grades 6-9 in English Language Arts and Social Studies will be addressed using lessons focused on strategic skill development. Access points for all learners, including those with intellectual disabilities, will be provided throughout this resource.

CTRL-F Digital Literacy Lesson Resources

The CTRL-F digital media literacy program equips students with the habits and skills they need to find and evaluate online information and to determine what to trust. We highly recommend that you complete the CTRL-F Online Search Skills lessons with your class before beginning online research. These lessons are free Canadian content that includes the slide deck, step-by-step instructions, and handouts. Go to https://ctrl-f.ca/en/login/ and create a free account. If you only plan to complete one CTRL-F lesson, use the Online Search Skills > Activity 2: Finding Information Online lesson before students conduct online research.

The Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers' Association (myPITA) is a Provincial Specialist Association (PSA) of the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF)
© 2025 Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers' Association

Please note that these resources are created and owned by third parties and may have been updated or altered since the resource was last reviewed. It is important that teachers use their professional judgement when assessing any resource for its applicability to the curriculum, their classroom and educational context, and the needs of their students. myPITA receives no financial benefit from use of these external resources.