Inquiry-Based Learning

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Introduction

At Lighthouse, we take an inquiry-based approach to learning. Because we believe that students are the main drivers of their own learning, we strive to create experiences that empower students to construct their own understanding with resources and support from teachers.

Below is one example of this inquiry-based approach.

Case Study: Chemistry SOAP Inquiry

Each year, Chemistry students participate in a whole class inquiry that empowers them to take agency as entrepreneurs, soap chemists, and product designers. Whole class inquiries are a common structure utilized by Lighthouse's science department. These multi-day (and sometimes multi-week) projects give students the opportunity to assume leadership of their own learning and sense-making. In this particular project, students create bars of soap that they showcase and sell to their community during an end-of-the-year exposition of learning (EXPO).