Teaching Science When You Don’t Know Diddly-Squat Series
March 2, 2017 - Michigan State University Extension
What is the answer? Who cares? It’s all about the questions and the joy of discovery.
Use this series of ready-to-go lesson plans to start teaching inquiry-based science to youth. The purpose is not to teach specific content, but to teach the process of science – asking questions and discovering answers. This activity encourages young people to try to figure things out for themselves; to discover answers, rather than just read an answer on the internet or in a book.
Our goal is to help adults support youth as they explore their world through inquiry-base science. With this goal in mind we ask adults who use this series to take a short survey. We appreciate your time as we strive to improve science in Michigan.
Teaching Science When You Don’t Know Diddly-Squat Introductions:
- 4-H Cloverbud Science: Exploration and discovery with young children
- Teaching Science When You Don't Know Diddly- Squat: Supply List
Teaching Science When You Don’t Know Diddly-Squat Activities:
- Can kids hear things that adults can't?
- Can you make a boat out of aluminum foil?
- Can you make a wind-powered car?
- What size pizza should you buy?
- Why are animals’ feet different?
- Can you see a pumpkin in the dark?
- Are you left or right-handed, and does it matter?
- Does color affect our sense of taste?
- Does technology make our lives easier?
- Why do some things float and others sink?
- Does the type of paper make a difference in paper airplanes?
- Do different types of milk taste different?
- How do puddles disappear?
- Do moms really have eyes in the back of their heads?
- Does texting affect safe driving?
- Can you make an animal move without touching it?
- Why is a hammer shaped like a hammer?
- Why do cows have tails?
- What if ice didn’t float?
- Why does poop splash?
- Can you hear better with paper ears?
- Do you run faster with or without shoes?
- Can you build a bridge out of pasta?
- Can you move something with static electricity?
- Why do some animals use camouflage?
- Why do animal poops look different?
- Do all apples taste the same?
- How can my sled go the fastest?
- How do you make the best chocolate chip cookie?
- Want or need?
- Why do zebras have stripes?
- Why did pirates wear eye patches?
- How can you make the best cooler?
- Is precooked bacon a better value?
For additional science activities designed for preschool aged children, check out the Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Science Activities for Young Minds series.