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 Insects

When comparing and contrasting these insects, you might begin by asking:

• Is this insect all the same color?
• How would you describe this insect's body?
• How would you describe this insect's legs ?
• Do you think that the front legs are the same as the back legs?
• How many legs does this insect have?
• Do you think this insect could pick things up? If the answer is yes, what part of it's body do you think it would use for this purpose?

To open discussion of similarities and differences, you might want to ask questions, such as:

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

You might want to ask questions that focus on a specific part of the insects, for example:

• Look carefully at the legs of each insect. How are they the same?
• 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:

• Are all of these insects the same color?
• Do all of these insects have the same number of legs?
• How do you think each insect would feel if you could touch it?

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