Spark a "What if?" Question
Use curiosity prompts and a short mini-maker challenge to turn student questions into quick investigations. This single lesson encourages students to ask open-ended "What if?" questions, make a plan, and test a simple idea using low-prep materials. Ideal for Kindergarten to Grade 2.
- Ask open-ended questions
- Plan a simple test
- Make observations
- Share results
- Paper
- Pencils/markers
- Building blocks or linking cubes
- Scrap cardboard/tape
- Timers/stopwatch (optional)
- Idea cards (prepared)
Create a stack of simple "Curiosity Cards" — each card has a prompt such as:
- "What if we put the toy on top of the ramp?"
- "What if the paper boat had a sail?"
- "What if we add more blocks to the tower?"
Gather low-prep maker materials in small tubs (linking cubes, tape, scraps of paper/cardboard, pencils, markers). Decide whether students will work alone, in pairs, or small groups (pairs work well for K–2).
Lesson Steps (20–25 min total)
Gather students on the carpet/table. Show a quick example: hold up a simple object (a small car or paper boat). Ask aloud, "What if we changed ___? What might happen?" Invite a few quick responses and praise curiosity. Introduce the idea of a "What if?" question — something we can try and observe.
Students pick a Curiosity Card (or you give one). In pairs or alone, they talk about the question and draw or jot a quick plan: "What will we try?" and "How will we know?" Provide sentence starters on the board: "We will try...", "We think...", "We will look for..." Use linking cubes, scrap cardboard, or simple materials to build a quick test set-up.
Students carry out their plan. Encourage them to watch carefully and try small changes. Teacher circulates, asks probing questions ("What do you notice?", "What can you change next?") and documents brief observations on a sticky note if helpful.
Invite 2–3 pairs to show their test quickly and say what they noticed. Prompt reflection: "Did what we expect happen? What surprised you? What would you try next time?" End with a celebration of curiosity and a reminder that ideas can lead to longer investigations.
Use a quick checklist or sticky note observations to record evidence.
Turn this into a week-long inquiry where students keep a simple "What If" journal and test variations each day.
Send a family note: "Ask a What If question at home tonight — try a small test and tell us what happened!"
Early Years/Grade 1 Science and Technology: Asking questions and planning investigations; Basic measurement and observation skills.
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