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Free Inquiry Project

Exploring Literature & Film��Created by Matt Fletcher�https://www.mtfletcher.com

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What is ‘Free Inquiry?

Turn & Talk

You choose your own topic or idea to inquire into
You create an essential question that matters to you!
You explore deeply, research, analyse and reflect
Your create a final product to share your thinking
You document your journey step-by-step
You use the FOUR stages of the Expedition into Inquiry

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The Expedition into Inquiry

North | Navigate

North is our launchpad for discovery. Here, we navigate uncharted territories, asking questions, seeking answers, and defining the unknown.

East | Explore

East signifies the phase of active exploration, hands-on experiences, and searching for new knowledge in the world.

South | Synthesise

South is the realm of synthesis where we analyze and put together our findings, connect the dots and make meaning.

West | Weave

In the West, it's time to communicate. Weaving represents crafting narratives, products, and projects that effectively convey our newfound knowledge

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See, Think, Wonder.

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In small groups, write down as many questions as you can in 7 minutes

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Shallow Questions�(Closed Questions)

Medium Questions�(More Open Questions)

Deep Questions�(Most Open Questions)

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“Stories are mirrors. Stories are windows.”

Think, Pair, Share:�What do you think this means?�What questions come to mind?��Mindmap the following:�The stories, characters, and topics you love or wonder about.�

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Creating your own question for exploration

Open ended
Personal
Thought-provoking
Difficult to Google
Something that excites you

Example Questions:�

Why are dystopias so popular in modern media?
How do authors use symbolism to express grief?
What makes a “good” villain?

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Example Projects

Project Idea	Essential Question	Product
Coming of Age	How do stories reflect cultural values?	Podcast or blog
Dystopias & Control	What makes dystopian stories powerful?	Video essay
Villains with Purpose	Are villains shaped by society or choice?	Storyboard
Books vs Films	Why do some adaptations fail?	Comparative poster
Cinematic Silence	How is silence used to create mood?	Audio essay
Hidden Voices	How do stories give power to the unheard?	Performance

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What can you create?

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Your Inquiry Journey: Weekly

Week 1: Brainstorm, create question, begin research, submit question and rationale.
Week 2: Deep exploration, organize notes, start synthesizing, submit findings and product outline.
Week 3: Create product, prepare presentation, submit final piece with reflection.

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Free Inquiry: Today's Tasks

List out ideas on books and films you love
Create a mind map to organise all your ideas and themes that come to mind.
Write one or two essential questions about a topic you would like to explore.
Get peer or teacher feedback
Submit your draft question(s) and rationale