Questioning is a developing skill in all grades, but in kindergarten, distinguishing between a question and comment can be particularly challenging. In order to practice this skill and think about what it means to ask "deep questions", we partook in an activity that is an adaptation of the visible thinking routine "Step Inside". We just began a new unit of inquiry on matter this week. While the students show limited knowledge of the scientific terminology related to matter, they come with quite a lot of knowledge about the diversity of matter and how it behaves and transforms. It is pulling this knowledge out that sometimes proves to be tricky.
To get students thinking about the different matter around us and the properties of solids, liquids and gases, they were asked individually to step inside a ring. When doing so, they took on a new identity (such as orange juice, air, a brick, etc.) The remaining students sat in a larger circle and were challenged to ask questions that might help them guess what object the student inside the ring was.
Initially the questions asked targeted mostly physically characteristics and were largely yes and no questions. As the routine continued, however, the questions began targeting reactions and transformations, which forced more complex answers. Some questions asked were:
You can see a brief video of this routine below:
To get students thinking about the different matter around us and the properties of solids, liquids and gases, they were asked individually to step inside a ring. When doing so, they took on a new identity (such as orange juice, air, a brick, etc.) The remaining students sat in a larger circle and were challenged to ask questions that might help them guess what object the student inside the ring was.
Initially the questions asked targeted mostly physically characteristics and were largely yes and no questions. As the routine continued, however, the questions began targeting reactions and transformations, which forced more complex answers. Some questions asked were:
- What happens if someone touches you?
- How do you move?
- What happens if someone puts fire on you?
- Can you be broken?
- How can you change?
- Can something go through you?
You can see a brief video of this routine below:
Our class loved this activity so much that we extended it a bit further today by coming up with what different 'objects' (states of matter) might say if they could talk. Stay tuned for an update on this soon!
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