What do you think? What makes you think that? What’s your idea? How can we summarise what we think? All necessary parts of pondering big questions in this year’s GSSfS.
Pupils asking and exploring questions sits at the heart of the Great Science Share for Schools.
The Great Question Ponder is a new science and oracy resource to inspire pupils to think about and discuss their ideas and opinions on topics related to the theme of Sustainable Science.
Guided by experts from Thinking, Doing, Talking Science, Huthwaite International and CAPE, these 20 minute activities create great opportunities for pupils to recall and organise their thoughts, refine their understanding and think scientifically.
How does it work?
Discussing climate issues is relevant to nurturing a generation of scientifically literate and environmentally conscious citizens. By exploring the science and our own ideas and learning how our verbal behaviours can do this well, we open up the opportunity to talk with confidence about big issues that affect us now and in the future. Talk a look at the prompts the memos and the talk strategies provided.
The Great Question Ponder resources seamlessly integrate CAPE’s climate-related topics, empowering pupils to explore solutions to real-world problems. We recognise that classrooms are busy places and it may be helpful to support free talk through the use of some guiding principles. The Huthwaite verbal behaviour prompts are cards that can encourage pupils to focus their talk in different ways - from reacting to clarifying what they think together.
Link to the 2024 Great Guided Enquiries
For each of new Great Guided Enquiry there is a Great Question Ponder resource so pupils can extend their thinking and dialogue around key issues.
Did you know…
You can also use the GSSfS Question Maker resources in the Great Science Toolkit to further support pupils in asking their own scientific questions, making the learning experience even more interactive and purposeful.
“The Great Question Ponder fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific exploration are invaluable. The resources enrich pupils’ learning experience and provide a great way to cultivate inquisitive minds and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of science and the environment.”
