Inquiry Boards are a tool to help students through the process of designing and conducting a scientific
inquiry using terminology required by the WASL.
Variables are the central feature of investigations. Helping students to identify variables can be the key to
other aspects of an investigation such as the use of tables or graphs. The following is a tool used to
highlight the role of variables in an investigation (adapted from: Making Sense of Primary Science Investigations,
Anne Goldworthy and Rosemary Feasely). The blank boxes indicate places to stick a 'POST-IT' on which the teacher or
student can list the MANIPULATED (Independent) and RESPONDING (Dependent) variables. The labels can then be moved
easily from poster to poster and the posters themselves can be re-used as often as liked.
- Helen Buttemer, UW Dept. of Biology
The following documents can be used to help you create and use inquiry boards in your classroom.
Inquiry Boards Booklet This document contains directions for constructing and using inquiry boards.
Board Words A printable version of inquiry board headings to be used when creating your own inquiry boards.
Board Words with WASL Conclusion A printable version of inquiry board headings to be used when creating your own inquiry boards. This version has a WASL type conclusion board.
Inquiry Boards: An Introduction
Inquiry Boards Booklet
Board Words