ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
—— This study examined the mediating effect of inquiry-based learning on the relationship between attitude toward science and student motivation among Grade 11 STEM students in a private senior high school in Davao City. The study aimed to determine the levels of inquiry-based learning, attitude toward science, and student motivation, and to assess the relationships among these variables. A quantitative non-experimental descriptive–correlational research design with mediation analysis was employed. A total of 216 students were selected through stratified random sampling and responded to validated survey questionnaires. The results showed that inquiry-based learning, attitude toward science, and student motivation were all at high levels and were significantly correlated. Mediation analysis revealed that inquiry-based learning partially mediated the relationship between attitude toward science and student motivation, accounting for 33.2% of the total effect. The study concludes that inquiry-based learning strengthens the influence of positive attitudes toward science on student motivation, and it is recommended that educators integrate structured inquiry-based strategies to enhance students’ motivation and engagement in science learning. Keywords: Attitude towards science, correlation, mediating effect of inquiry-based learning, science, technology, egineering, and mathematics (STEM), stratified random sampling, senior high school, student motivation