Give students real ownership of the scientific process with this Inquiry Learning Experiment Design Project Prompt. Instead of following a step-by-step lab, students design their own experiment using classroom materials you already have. With structured thinking prompts (but plenty of creative freedom), students plan an investigation that demonstrates the skills they’ve been learning, then write and reflect on what happened, even if their results are messy or their experiment “fails.”

This resource is perfect for inquiry-based science, STEM days, end-of-unit assessments, lab make-up work, or a low-prep project when you want students thinking like real scientists. Students start with two simple brainstorming questions to generate an idea, then move into a guided planning and writing process that supports scientific reasoning, clear communication, and evidence-based reflection. Reflection questions help students explain what they tried, what they noticed, what they would change next time, and what they learned from the process, so every student can show understanding, regardless of outcome.

What’s Included

• Student experiment design prompt with thinking scaffolds
  
• 2 brainstorming questions to launch student ideas
  
• Writing section for procedure, observations, and results
  
• Reflection questions focused on revision + learning from outcomes

• 2 Worksheets to guide students through the Inquiry process.
  

Best For

• Inquiry-based learning, NGSS-style investigations, STEM projects
  
• Formative or summative assessment
  
• Fast finishers, sub plans, centers, enrichment, lab days
  
• Groups or independent work
  

Why Teachers Love It
Students get choice, structure, and a clear way to show mastery, without you having to prep a whole new lab. 🎯