What If? questions allow pupils to apply their scientific knowledge in different contexts. Can they think of a plus, minus or interesting answer to the question? After pupils have explained their ideas and thoughts, they can use these come up with their own questions to investigate.
The following resources can be used to encourage pupils to ask their own scientific questions which can lead to an investigation:
Your school banned paper? 5-7 year-olds
How much paper is wasted in school? As well as investigating paper use, they could investigate trees too! This Climate Challenge activity will get pupils thinking about how paper can be used more sustainably.
Everything tasted the same? 5-7 year-olds
By exploring this question, pupils will think about the foods that they like and dislike. Pupils could plan investigations into healthy and unhealthy foods.
We had no teeth? 7-9 year-olds
This fun question encourages pupils to think about the different types of teeth and their functions. Pupils could investigate different toothpastes and explore the topic of dental hygiene.
We used machines like this? 7-11 year-olds
This activity could be used as a starter activity to explore air resistance and gravity. Alternatively, you could use a cross-curricular approach and make a pneumatic model in Design and Technology which could be tested.
Read Explorify’s top tips on how to run a What If activity here.
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For help with subject knowledge and support with planning a science topic click here.
Listen, think and share your questions.
