Activity: Students watch a video that musically defines and illustrates some science terminology. They briefly discuss the science vocabulary in the video, and more importantly, they are guided to the conclusion  that the field of science is driven by the virtues of wonder and curiosity. Students learn about open-ended questions that can help with discovery. They are introduced to a chart of these questions that is posted in the classroom for reference. 

Materials needed: the video; a chart of open-ended questions

Chart: Open-ended questions: when observing, describing, or creating something, you can ask these questions:  

• How did that happen?
• What caused that?
• What do you think would happen next?

When you want to improve something, ask: 

• What would make it better?
• What can I change about it?
• Do I need to add or subtract something? 
• Can I try something else that might improve it? 

Directions: Explain that today’s activity is about the importance of curiosity and its role in the field of science. Show the video, then  guide a discussion about the science vocabulary in the video. Ask students to answer this question: “How do you think that scientists were able to figure out that bears and other animals hibernate, that butterflies go through a process of metamorphosis, that water evaporates due to heat from the sun? How did the quest to know more about these things begin?” Guide students to talk about the role of curiosity and wonder, how this is how exploration about something unknown begins. Explain that asking questions is important and can lead to amazing discoveries and events. Show and discuss the chart about open-ended questions. 

Wrap it up: Today’s activity is all about curiosity and wonder. To do well in school and in life, be curious, ask questions, get answers, and apply what you learn!