Here you'll find some tips to help you get the most out of this web site. Have fun!

General Tips

0. Try to ask children open-ended questions. These kind of questions help children talk about nature. For example, a useful open-ended question could be, "How would you describe this shell?"

1. There are many "correct" answers. When asking open-ended questions, remember that there is no one "correct" answer. There are many "right" answers. The goal is to have children and adults have a thoughtful discussion.

2. Praise thoughtful answers. If you ask a close-ended question (such as "What animal lives in that shell?" or "What color is that bird?"), any thoughtful answer could be praised. Even if the child's answer is inaccurate, you could say something like, "That was a great idea. You know, that is how scientists learn, by thinking and trying out different ideas."

3. Start from what the child knows already. When trying to get a thoughtful discussion going, start with what the child already knows about a topic. Use that information as a springboard for further exploration. Through discussion and exploration, children can expand and revise their knowledge about nature.

4. Explore together. If the topic is new to you as an adult helper, share this information with the child. You can make guesses and explore together. All science starts off with questions, not answers.

5. Science IS exploration and discovery. When you let children try out different theories, you help introduce them to the scientific method and start building research skills.

6. Explore a science book together. If a child is interested in a particular topic, you might want to follow up the activity reading a science book together and writing down what you have learned about the topic.

Examples of Open Ended Questions About Butterflies

When you compare and contrast different butterflies, you might begin by asking:

Do you see any designs on this butterfly? Do you see any patterns? What are all of the different colors you see on this butterfly? What words would you use to describe its wings?

When you discuss similarities and differences, you might want to ask questions such as:

• How are these butterflies similar to each other?
• How are they different?

If the child is having a hard time coming up with ideas, you might prompt her/him with more narrow questions such as:

• Do all of the butterflies have stripes?
• Are all of the wings the same size?
• Are some of the butterflies more colorful than others?

When discussing a caterpillar's transformation to a butterfly, you could ask:

• Do you know how a caterpillar is related to a butterfly?
• What do you know about the way that caterpillars turn into butterflies?

If this is a new topic for the child, you might want to sit together and read and discuss a book about butterflies.