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 Leaves

When you compare and contrast different leaves, you might begin by asking questions such as:

• Does this leaf have any smooth parts?
• Does this leaf have any pointy parts?
• How would you describe the edges of this leaf?
• Do you see any patterns on this leaf?
• Is this leaf all one color?
• Are there different parts to this leaf?
• How would you describe each part?

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

• How are these leaves 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:

• Are all of these leaves the same color?
• Are all of these leaves the same shape?
• How are the shapes different?
• Look at the edges of each leaf. Are they all pointy? Are they all smooth?

During your discussions of leaves, you might talk about the veins of the leaf and their function. This could come out of a conversation about the patterns in leaves.

You might also ask the child:

• Have you even seen a leaf like the one in the picture?
• What do you think the tree it came from looked like?

While observing leaves, you might discuss math concepts such as symmetry.

When you are working with real leaves, you might consider doing some leaf rubbings with the child. Rubbings can be done using regular paper and a crayon. If the child is interested you might want to try rubbings of the tree's bark, etc.

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