Planning an inquiry-based unit requires the following:
Identifying relevant curriculum standards to be addressed through the unit.
Beginning with the end in mind (what students will do to demonstrate learning) and clarifying learning outcomes or objectives.
Determining the level of thinking that will be targeted.
Framing learning with questions.
Planning formative and summative assessments for the unit.
Developing an authentic task so relevance and connections to the real world are apparent.
Highlighting 21st century skills to complete a task.
Including meaningful collaboration with cooperative groups.
The next step is to write the instructional procedures for the unit. The following guidelines can be used when writing instructional procedures. Be sure to keep the continuum of inquiry in mind when writing instructional procedures so the degree of teacher guidance is clear.