Prior to the summer vacation, the students chose varied topics ranging from personal interests and hobbies to ones concerning pressing social issues. With the help of their parents and other family members, they productively used their time off school to have their first try at the inquiry cycle this summer. Their thinking, research and communication skills were put to the test as they formulated hypotheses, conducted experiments, extensively read various written resource materials and interviewed resource experts from all around the country. The students were also encouraged to summarize the results of their inquiries in English.