How beneficial and effective can inquiry-based learning be at the younger elementary school grades (K-2)? What are some ideas for incorporating this type of learning at this level?
—K., Wyoming

I would argue the only way to teach science to our youngest students is through inquiry! 

Humans were born with innate curiosity and a willingness to experiment. Why not tap into those built-in characteristics and provide students the opportunity to observe, experiment and reach conclusions on topics of their choice?

Make science hands-on and judiciously guide students with questions. Have them record data in interesting ways that include counting, measuring, representing values with icons or pictures, and use language. Don’t underestimate a child’s ability to observe: when he was kindergarten-aged, my son asked me, “Why do sunrises look like rainbows?” I was about to answer that they don’t, but then looked out the window to observe…the full spectrum of colors! Watch for misconceptions that we tend to pick up very early in life. Teach your students observation skills and how to explain things using evidence.

Teach students the safe use of magnifying glasses and have them go outside to look at grass, weeds, trees, insects, wood, metal, concrete, and so on. Create little exploration stations and give them cameras to record what they observe, organize the photos and explain. Don’t have preconceived ideas of what you want from the stations, encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Don’t be afraid that you might not have the answers for them.

Have fun.

Hope this helps!