Inquiry Process in Review

You’re using the inquiry process even when you don’t realize it. Imagine that you want a healthy school lunch. You question what your options are in the cafeteria and in vending. You plan to check the lunch menu when you cut through the cafeteria after second hour and discover you don’t like the foods offered. Research of vending options shows they aren’t healthy enough. You ask a friend what he plans. He’s picking up a veggie sandwich, so you give him money and an order, creating a solution. When the food arrives, you improve it with some mustard and present it to your mouth.

This example and the project discussed on the previous pages illustrate how the inquiry process applies to both big projects and everyday tasks. And at every step along the way, you are using 21st century skills to advance your plans and achieve your goals.