Group One Inquiry Lesson

Today I got to witness my first inquiry lesson! 

Group one started their inquiry lesson by reviewing what they had taught in their direct lesson. They then introduced their problem and told the class that an elephant had fallen out of the rail car and they needed the students to help to get him back in. The students then had to create a blueprint of an invention using at least 2 simple machines to get the elephant back into the cart. They then gave the students 20 minutes to work. After the time was up they had the students present their inventions. The students then had to write a letter to the ringleader to describe the invention that they created. 

I felt this lesson was very creative and well thought out. I was confused about exactly what an inquiry lesson was, and this group really clarified my confusions. I enjoyed how the group explained the problem and got the students engaged. My only wish for the lesson was for the teachers to model exactly what they expected of the students.

Overall I felt this was an amazing first inquiry lesson, and I can not wait to see what the other groups come up with!