An in-depth science inquiry is an ongoing investigation in which children are introduced to materials through hands-on experiences and, with teacher guidance, begin to investigate a question that they can answer through their own actions, observations, and with teacher-assisted research. Qualities that make an experience appropriate to include in early childhood science inquiry are described as being interesting to children, linked to their experiences, and accessible to all children's direct exploration. As children pose questions and seek answers, teachers can use these qualities to decide whether the question has the potential for ongoing inquiry. Although not all proposed activities are embraced by all students, some activities that are most likely to lead into ongoing inquiry are: water play focusing on how water moves using various kitchen tools and tubes, exploring inclined planes with ramps and balls, and understanding plant growth and weather-related changes in a life cycle. (Contains 4 resources.)