February 2025
Inquiry-Based Learning and Sustainable Development Goal 5
Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is an active, student-centered approach that encourages learners to explore questions, investigate problems, and construct their own understanding through research and critical thinking. Instead of passively receiving information, students engage in hands-on exploration, ask questions, gather and analyze data, and draw conclusions. It can be implemented in various ways, such as project-based learning, experiments, case studies, and real-world problem-solving activities. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the inquiry process while encouraging curiosity and collaboration.
The benefits of inquiry-based learning include deeper understanding, improved critical thinking, and the development of essential problem-solving and research skills. It also fosters a love for learning, enhances engagement, and helps students take ownership of their education, preparing them for lifelong learning and real-world challenges.
SDG 5: Gender equality
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), "Gender Equality," aims to achieve equality between genders and empower all women and girls worldwide. It focuses on eliminating discrimination, violence, and harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. SDG 5 also promotes equal access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles while ensuring legal rights and protections for women and girls.
Key areas of action include improving reproductive health, recognizing unpaid care work, and addressing gender disparities in political and economic participation. Achieving gender equality is essential for sustainable development, as it leads to more inclusive societies, stronger economies, and improved well-being for all. By empowering women and girls, SDG 5 contributes to building a more just, prosperous, and resilient world.
An Inquiry-based learning activity
A collaborative presentation about famous women scientists
STEP 1: In the plenary session, students watch the video "Understand Goal 5: Gender Equality" on Youtube to learn about gender equality.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hc0kZh6CnM
Next, students research about women scientists on the Internet.
STEP 2: Students create a collaborative presentation about women scientists with our project partners using Google Slides. To plan this collaborative work, teachers fill out the table below created in Google Docs. Project founders create a presentation template using Google Slides and share it in Twinspace.
STEP 3: Each partner adds a picture of a woman scientist to the presentation.
STEP 4: Another partner uses Google Lens to find out who the woman scientist is. Then students investigate the following inquiry questions and write a short description about the woman scientist next to the picture added by the other partner:
"What scientific achievements is the woman scientist known for?"
"What challenges or barriers did she face, and how did she overcome them?"
Learning goals
Students develop their ability to communicate information.
Online games that promote digital safety
- Space Shelter by Google: Space Shelter: a game about learning to stay safer online – A gamified quiz to test and improve students' knowledge about cyber threats and safety.
- Happy on Life by European Union: Happy Onlife - An online board game for online safety.
- WordWall games - Internet safety - Teaching resources
- The Band Runner - 8-10s: About - Students have to answer online security questions to level up their character.
- Interland by Google – https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/interland