Looking for an engaging culminating activity for your Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies class? Inquiry-based learning is a powerful way to deepen students’ understanding of global identity, encouraging them to explore real-world issues and develop critical thinking skills. This blog will outline the benefits of inquiry projects and provide a structured plan for implementing a Global Identity Inquiry Project in your classroom.
Why Use Inquiry-Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a student-centred approach that encourages exploration, research, and questioning. Instead of memorizing facts, students investigate topics, develop their own questions, and seek answers through research and discussion.
Benefits for Students
- Encourages curiosity and independent thinking
- Develops research and analytical skills
- Strengthens collaboration and communication
- Helps students connect learning to real-world issues
- Builds confidence in presenting and sharing ideas
Benefits for Teachers
- Supports differentiated learning by allowing students to explore topics at their own level
- Provides a structured yet flexible approach to assessment
- Encourages deeper learning and engagement in social studies
- Helps students meet curriculum expectations while fostering a love for learning
Using Inquiry Projects for Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies
Inquiry-based projects are a fantastic way to make social studies more engaging and meaningful for students. Instead of passively absorbing information, students become active participants in their learning, making connections between historical events, global issues, and their own experiences.
How Inquiry Projects Enhance Social Studies Learning
- Encourage students to explore real-world problems and global perspectives
- Allow for student choice, increasing engagement and motivation
- Support cross-curricular connections with literacy, research, and presentation skills
- Foster deeper critical thinking and inquiry-based questioning
- Provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and debate
Using an inquiry approach in social studies helps students develop a broader understanding of their place in the world and prepares them to think critically about global challenges and solutions.
How to Implement the Global Identity Inquiry Project
This Global Identity Inquiry Project serves as a culminating activity for the Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum. Students will choose a global identity-related topic, research it, and present their findings in a creative format.
Step 1: Introduce the Inquiry Project
- Discuss key learnings from your social studies unit (NGOs, global issues, trade agreements like CUSMA and NAFTA, Canada’s role in global affairs, etc.).
- Ask students: What is something you found most interesting or impactful?
- Have students brainstorm potential topics based on their interests.
Step 2: Choosing a Topic
- Students select a global identity-related topic (e.g., Canada’s role in international organizations, human rights, environmental policies, global trade, immigration, etc.).
- They record their choice on the My Inquiry Project Title Page (available in the Ignited Lessons Club).
Step 3: Developing Inquiry Questions
- Students generate research questions using the 5W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How).
- Encourage deep thinking questions (e.g., How does Canada’s role in the United Nations impact global peacekeeping?).
Step 4: Research and Note-Taking
- Guide students in finding credible sources (Epic Books, government websites, news articles, online databases).
- Encourage them to record notes in the Inquiry Project Research Sheets (found in the Ignited Lessons Club).
- Support students with paraphrasing and citing sources.
Step 5: Creating the Final Product
- Students present their research in a creative format, such as:
- Poster
- Podcast
- Video documentary
- Speech
- Pamphlet
- Song
- Museum exhibit
- Model
- Digital presentation
Step 6: Presentations and Reflection
- Students share their projects with the class.
- Please encourage students to reflect on what they learned and how their understanding of global identity has evolved.
- Facilitate peer feedback discussions.
Get the Full Inquiry Project Lesson Plan
Want a ready-to-use lesson plan, including student pages, research sheets, and assessment rubrics? The Ignited Lessons Club provides a complete Global Identity Inquiry Project that aligns with the Ontario Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum.
💡 Join the Ignited Lessons Club today and get access to this and other engaging Ontario grade 6 social studies resources! Click here to learn more.
Empowering Students Through Inquiry-Based Learning
The Global Identity Inquiry Project is an excellent way to engage students in meaningful learning while allowing them to take ownership of their education. By incorporating inquiry-based learning, students develop essential skills in research, critical thinking, and communication.
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