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How do scientists know so much?

How do scientists know so much?
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
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DISCUSS:

What do these two stories have in common? (What did both scientists do that was similar?)

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# Optional Extra: Curiosity Wheel

Below is an idea for extending this activity throughout the school year by using our Curiosity Wheel .

Teaching virtually this semester? Check out our distance learning-friendly version!

 

# Curiosity Spinner: Part 1 Click the wheel to select an object. Then go to the next slide.
# Discover New Things: Part 2 Choose a way of looking at the object! This is what scientists do!

Featured Reviews

“So simple! I like that all you needed was paper and your hand. I like the way you have students draw an arrow to their questions, and celebrate that questions often beget more questions and you don't always have to know the answer - you just need to stay curious. Great starter lesson for a year of science.”
· Wynne · Teacher
“I love that my students were very engaged and the lesson encouraged them to draw, journal, pose questions and engage in meaningful conversations!!”
· Katie · Teacher
“Careful observation, curiosity, and the ability to ask questions are key attributes that all scientists share. This is a great lesson that teaches students observation skills and the importance of questions. This lesson is helpful and appropriate for all students(K-5 and older).”
· Susan · Teacher
“Everyone in the entire class enjoyed this lesson, my 4th grade students had so many questions. It was easy to differentiate for all my varied learners (ELL, SpEd, Low Readers). Fun and engaging!! Thanks”
· · Teacher
“LOVE the curiosity wheel - it will be something we can often refer to throughout the year to keep them asking questions. WE LOVE MYSTERY SCIENCE”
· Christine · Teacher
“The students came up with such great questions: I especially loved the reassurance that you don't have to find the answers, and that sometimes the answers lead to more questions. Great beginning of the year lesson!”
· Tiffany · Teacher
“We did the extension activity and the kids loved it. They were able to come up with several possible research questions about their hands. ”
· Chelsea · Teacher
“It did not involve a lot of prepping of materials.”
· · Teacher
“Students enjoyed making observations and drawing their hands and fingers. ”
· Diana · Teacher
“Very clear, step by step instuctions. Students were interested, and this was a great way to teach them about observation, scientific drawings, and scientific questions.”
· Wendy · Teacher
“My students loved looking through the magnifying glass and drawing the details of their fingers. They had no problems coming up with questions for this particular lesson.”
· Johanna · Teacher
“The students were very engaged and attentive to the task!”
· Amanda · Teacher
“The students loved the curiosity wheel. I love how they came up with a lot of questions about their hand...really got them thinking like scientists!”
· Heather · Teacher
“Listening to the questions students asked about their hands. Zero prep and elicited great discussion!”
· Alison · Teacher
“My first graders enjoyed examining their hands, drawing details, and asking questions like a scientist.”
· Theresa · Teacher
“This was an easy yet engaging way to open up science this year! ”
· Lisa · Teacher
“The step-by-step, easy-to-follow directions were great! The kids were engaged the whole time.”
· Armine · Teacher
“The enthusiasm and concentration of the kids as they observed their hands and came up with lots of great questions!”
· Sally · Teacher
“The kids really became more curious about something they see every day!”
· Toni · Teacher
“Seeing the students so engaged in the lesson and carefully observing their hands. ”
· Ashley · Teacher
“i enjoyed the lesson and the student handled very well. I enjoy the option of being able to edit the worksheet. Thank you.”
· Charles · Teacher
“It's hard to say which was better - when Doug brought out that enormous pine cone that captured the kids' attention or the part where the kids were mesmerized with their own hands. I added magnifying glasses to the activity to give my students an opportunity to look even closer at their hands. They loved that. This lesson has been instrumental in helping to lay a foundation of curiosity in our classroom. Thanks!”
· Richard · Teacher
“It was a great way to kick off the importance of wondering. ”
· Sandy · Teacher
“Students doubted their hands could be interesting. They proved themselves wrong! Perfect example of how to start simple. Gives us many things to expand on...”
· Treece · Teacher
“The kids looking at something common from a new perspective.”
· Julie · Teacher
“It was very well planned out and easy to follow. The kids were engaged! I can't wait to do another lesson.”
· Heather · Teacher
“Loved to see how science is everywhere! The kids were so obsessed with their hands and came up with some amazing questions! ”
· Kayla · Teacher
“The kids loved getting to pair up with a partner and "wonder" about their hand. I have a particularly creative class this year, so we shared some really great inquiries.”
· Melissa · Teacher
“It was awesome! They were able to think of some very creative questions and their drawings were so detailed. ”
· Jenna · Teacher
“Seeing the attention to detail in my student's sketches and the questions they came up with!!”
· Gregory · Teacher
“This was a great introduction to science and scientific drawings.”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“Introducing students to the scientific method- ASKING QUESTIONS+OBSERVATIONS! ”
· Amanda · Teacher
“loved the easily adapted activity and video info about scientists was engaging ”
· Sara · Teacher
“Getting the kids to look closely and make great observations”
· Wendy · Teacher
“It was good perspective for kids to see that all kinds of scientists learning and working”
· Shawna · Teacher
“It was easy to teach, didn't require too much preparation, and best of all my students loved it!”
· Maria · Teacher
“The kids had endless questions; what a great activity to do throughout the year! Also, the lesson led to a great discussion about how/where to find the answers to their questions.”
· Alison · Teacher
“They loved drawing and talking to their partners about their hands.”
· Susanne · Teacher
“Students were engaged and had lots of fun.They worked just like scientists do..looking closely and asking questions about their observations.”
· Margarita · Teacher
“The students were really engaged and now understand what observations look like. ”
· · Teacher
“the link between the video and the activity - well done and easy to follow!”
· Shelli · Teacher
“Information giving in small manageable chunks. ”
· Nicole · Teacher
“the interactive drawing of the hand and adding details. The question count objective really made the kids aim for writing as many questions as possible. It was like a race to compete against themselves. Love the lesson!!”
· Robin · Teacher
“they loved the question wheel”
· Donna · Teacher
“It was a great lesson to help my class get excited about science. ”
· Annette · Teacher
“The students were all engaged and curious! ”
· Sarah · Teacher
“This was my first time using Mystery Science and the kiddos LOVED IT! They were on task the whole time!”
· Hannah · Teacher
“Students understood what scientists do and they were fully engaged. ”
· Marlene · Teacher
“The students LOVED examining their hands and drawing them. It was fun for them to realize that you can be curious and observant about *anything.*”
· · Teacher
“the details each person saw in their own hands”
· · Teacher
“Well developed and easy to follow. Easy prep. Thank you soooo much!”
· Kristiina · Teacher
“I loved all the questions my kids came up with. I plan to use the curiosity spinner throughout the year. ”
· Kara · Teacher
“Watching how the students were engaged in this lesson and how their conversations were intreging.”
· · Teacher
“The students loved thinking of and discussing their questions.”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“The concepts presented were key ones and the activity really got the kids observing deeply and recording their observations carefully, just like scientists! Simple, low prep, but high quality activity. ”
· Lia · Teacher
“Getting the students to understand that observation is the key element in science.”
· Melissa · Teacher
“Collecting so many amazing questions from 8-year olds. The curiosity is flowing!”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“Students loved observing their hands and we were able to compare the two scientists.”
· Rebecca · Teacher
“The interactive level of getting the kids curious about things that they normally wouldn't take the time to think about .”
· Dana · Teacher
“First time ever using and loved it! Organization and step by step was great!”
· Kendal · Teacher
“the introduction was a PERFECT way to get my students engaged and excited about Science!!”
· Esmeralda · Teacher
“How many questions the students were able to generate about something they look at every single day!”
· Mara · Teacher
“It was really accessible to kids with all different amounts of science background knowledge.”
· Michelle · Teacher
“The activity. Having the student observe and draw and object and then write questions about it. Shows the beginning steps of the scientific method.”
· Jeremy · Homeschooler
“The lesson was fascinating for students, and they loved learning about Galileo and Mary Anning.”
· Crystal · Teacher
“Many students wanted to further their exploration of their hands by looking up things like pores and double jointedness.”
· Jacqueline · Teacher
“This lesson was just awesome! All my kids were engaged, asking questions, and making great observations. I was impressed with what they came up with and what they were drawing/recording. I am really excited to see more of what you have to offer!”
· Becky · Teacher
“The discoveries the students made while observing and moving their hands and fingers were incredible. The excitement, questions and conversations that took place were enthusiastic and energetic. A lot of learning is taking place because of Mystery Science:)”
· Susana · Teacher
“I liked the way every student could relate and participate. I liked the way the concepts tied so well into effective reading and writing skills, like asking questions and describing details. I loved the way, when the video started, there was an excited and happy callout from the class: "Mystery Doug!"”
· Jeff · Teacher
“The best part of Mystery 10 was that it set up Scientific Inquiry perfectly to begin my science teaching for the year. Having my 5th graders focus on details and questions about their own hands resulted in fruitful discussion and served as a spring board for even more discovery. They are staying curious! ;) ”
· Juliette · Teacher
“Students really enjoyed coming up with questions and loved things on their hand that they never realized were there :)”
· Katherine · Teacher
“The drawing and thinking of questions. My students were very engaged with the close observation and came up with great questions. ”
· Audrey · Teacher
“My students loved examining their hands and exploring them. They had quite a few questions about their hands.”
· June · Teacher
“Great intro to science!”
· Deanna · Teacher
“I loved how accessible this was for my kids. Also, it got them doing "things that scientists do" right away!”
· Wendy · Teacher
“Super fun, the kids totally enjoyed it. We had a full discussion after because the kids wanted to keep talking about it”
· Jamie · Teacher
“THE SIMPLE EXPERIMENT THAT WAS MULTISENSORY!”
· Leigh · Teacher
“My students loved ALL of it! Thank you so much!”
· Christine · Teacher
“This was a terrific beginning to my science year with new students. It really a good job of setting the stage for the questions we'll answer this year! Thank you! Once again, I am so impressed with this curriculum and the work you do to create these wonderful units. Jackie Bolen, 4th grade, Barryton, MI”
· Jackie · Teacher
“Teaching students how to journal and add details to drawings.”
· Brenda · Teacher
“This was the first time some of my students were exposed to Mystery Science and they LOVED it! Very engaging. ”
· Amanda · Teacher
“Students were really looking for details and comparing and contrasting their drawings. It was natural and not teacher directed.”
· Alene · Teacher
“Getting to read the students questions after class was an awesome way to see how they think”
· Natalie · Teacher
“Kids loved it. Very easy to teach.Preparation was easy.”
· Karen · Teacher
“This lesson had my students really looking at the world around them in different ways! They had collected objects from outside and noticed that two of the groups objects looked very similar, so they started putting them together and found they fit like a puzzle. "We're just like REAL scientists," they said. Such fun to watch them explore and wonder.”
· Lauren · Teacher
“My students and I LOVED this lesson! I greatly appreciate this being offered free to teachers. Every aspect of this lesson was spot on with what I was teaching in class. I can't wait to see what is available next!”
· Heather · Teacher
“Th students loved drawing their. Hands and asking any questions about them. They even liked sharing the questions. We are at the point of asking which questions should we find the answers to. ”
· Barbara · Teacher
“Such perfect directions that are repeated for students who struggle with listening the first time!”
· Cindy · Teacher
“Having the students draw their hand was perfect. They loved it. It fit all ability levels.”
· Mary · Teacher
“My students were so excited about drawing their hands. I add to the lesson and had them draw both sides.”
· Mary · Teacher
“I think practicing observations was a great way to start the year and have intentional conversations about things good scientists do!”
· Erin · Teacher
“Kids enjoyed seeing things in their hands they hadn't noticed : ) Lots of questions!”
· Adrianne · Teacher
“Got the kids fired up to be scientists!”
· Jacque · Teacher
“It was a great lesson and really helped students to see how curious they can be with everyday objects.”
· Paula · Teacher
“The kids love Doug! He explained using wonder and inquiry in science very well.”
· · Teacher
“I liked the way the video was paced. My 2nd grade students had no problem keeping up.”
· Yolanda · Teacher
“Great intro for the year!”
· Annie · Teacher
“My scholars were so excited to compare their hands with other scholars. They observed things they had never noticed before. HAIR on their hands!!!!!”
· Terri · Teacher
“All students actively engaged. Really promoted critical thinking.”
· Jenna · Homeschooler
“The students loved the interaction with each other and learning how to look at things more closely. ”
· Kelli · Teacher
“Both my 2nd and 3rd grade science classes really enjoyed this mystery. Students were very detailed in their sketches, and they came up with some interesting questions. I added in using magnifying glasses for the "zoom in" part of the lesson. They were definitely staying curious!”
· Marlena · Teacher
“I have heard some of the best questions come from my students after this mystery ever! Thanks for a great start to the year!”
· Lisa · Teacher
“My first graders loved the variety of videos, questions and activities! Love how struggling learners can shine during an activity like this.”
· Tamara · Teacher
“Drawing details of their hand. They were surprised how many questions they actually came up with.”
· Michele · Teacher
“learning about what makes a good scientist before the beginning of any units ”
· Valery · Teacher
“The kids loved completing a "wondering" sheet at home!”
· Angela · Teacher
“The wonder wheel was such a great add on! My daughter asked to do that everyday! We'll see, but we'll do it several more times. ”
· Carrie · Homeschooler
“Great intro to get students excited about science and being observers of life. I even had some go home and look up more info on Mary Anning. Very engaging.”
· Kristi · Teacher
“Looking forward to using the Curiosity Wheel every week.”
· Mallory · Teacher
“the students were super engaged! Some even went home and went above and beyond!”
· Heather · Teacher
“Learning about actual scientists (both male AND female) who discovered things just by wondering! What an awesome first lesson.”
· Sophie · Teacher
“Loved it as an opening lesson! We went outside and each student found their own thing they were curious about and created questions!”
· Michelle · Teacher
“The students were really asking questions and noticing new things about their hands! A great start to a year of questions ahead!”
· Tracy · Teacher
“Introducing the word curious has made a BIG impact and we are learning to be curious about everything. Thank you Mystery Science!”
· Erin · Teacher
“The questions that students generated were amazing!”
· Kristi · Teacher
“One student decided to research her question and shared her answer with the class a few days later.”
· Rebecca · Teacher
“Excellent lesson to start scientific method unit. Thank you!”
· Kerry · Teacher
“My students loved the video and clear directions. I loved that they taught how scientist are curious and draw what they see. They could really relate to being curious. I especially loved that a female scientist was shown. I also loved that the lesson was simple yet effective. Thanks! ”
· Gretchen · Teacher
“This was AMAZING!!! Thank you so much!! The kids loved it and it was a great way to start our science for the year!! We LOVE Mystery Science!!!”
· Jennifer · Admin
“My students really started to embrace inquiry and developing deeper questions”
· David · Teacher
“The best part of this excellent video lesson is the Activity. It generated great conversation and developed "curiosity" among my students.”
· Josie · Teacher
“Great start to the year getting students thinking about conecting observations to questions. Simple but powerful.”
· Kyle · Teacher
“Students were asking questions I didn't even think of! I even had students asking if we could do this outside with another object! Great way to kick off science this year!”
· Ginger · Teacher
“Students were very engaged and had lots of questions about their hand. You took something we have had since birth and paid little attention to and make them focus on it. ”
· Marlene · Teacher
“Love having their students write and diagram about their curiosity!”
· · Teacher
“This was a GREAT intro into asking questions and observations. THANK YOU!!”
· Amy · Teacher
“Great for multiple ages!”
· Casey · Homeschooler
“The drawing of the hand. IT made the connection for students! I paired it with Whales in the Desert to show observing and asking questions is part of the scientific method! Great ideas! LOVE THIS RESOURCE!”
· Brooke · Teacher
“I loved the student engagement and ease of planning for me!”
· · Teacher
“The kids really loved this activity and were amazed as just how much they didn't notice about their hand before.”
· Evelyn · Teacher
“My students realizing how many questions they could ask about ordinary things.”
· Meghan · Teacher
“They were very excited about the video and the moon and fossil references. And they loved doing the I Wonder page. Great discussions and questions!”
· Tonia · Teacher
“great way for students to start the year - thinking like a scientist.”
· Tim · Homeschooler
“Great beginning of the year lesson! Students were highly engaged. ”
· Bonnie · Teacher
“Great way to introduce scientific inquiry! My Ss will never look at their hands the same.”
· Lewis · Teacher
“My kids loved this lesson. They are now walking around looking very closely at everything and constantly asking questions! (Is that a good thing?) ”
· Phyllis · Teacher
“The best part was how the lesson created discussion and dialogue among the students! ”
· · Teacher
“Students really liked thinking about questions. They were fascinated in the 2 scientists.”
· Kathryn · Teacher
“This was absolutely the best way to introduce science notebooks and the scientific mindset- great activity! My students were super engaged, worked hard, and are jazzed to start the year of science. Thank you so much!”
· Jen · Teacher
“This lesson was perfect! It is the beginning of the school year and I was teaching the scientific method to my students. This lesson fit in so well. My students were very engaged. They even asked if they could have more "I wonder..." pages to use when they were working on their writing!!! The curiosity counter at the bottom is brilliant! They loved telling their friends how many questions they had.”
· Tracy · Teacher
“What a great lesson to help students observe and question the world around them in detail and with curiosity!”
· Connie · Teacher
“The activity was easy to plan and prepare, the children loved it! Very good beginning of the year lesson!”
· · Teacher
“The kids loved wondering. It was super easy and I feel very committed to teaching as many mystery science lessons as possible. ”
· Liz · Teacher
“The best part was the students generating more questions as they looked closer.”
· Joelene · Admin
“This lesson was well thought out. It gets our students ready to begin their Observation Journal using the steps outlined for nature sketching inspired by John Muir Laws. Fantastic!”
· Laurel · Teacher
“Great introduction to scientific thinking!”
· Debbie · Teacher
“Many students really delved into including the details or writing more questions.”
· Becky · Teacher
“What a great way to get the kids thinking about observing and asking questions. I can totally see doing this with any object (nature or man-made).”
· Mandy · Teacher
“Kids loved the activity and the video was great on showing how scientists ask questions!!”
· Patricia · Teacher
“I appreciated the use of the SEP's in this first lesson. I used this lesson to introduce phenomena, observation, and models. The basics of what makes a great scientist. I also loved that you equally represented men and women by using Galileo and Mary Anning. Thanks! ”
· Stephanie · Teacher
“The students loved it! It really sparked their curiosity!”
· Andrea · Teacher
“This was perfect! It was a great way to introduce my students how to wonder, investigate and be curious.”
· Brandi · Teacher
“Students did very well behaving as real scientists and using inquiry skills. This was an excellent supplement to my introduction to science unit.”
· Carlene · Teacher
“I really enjoyed the "I wonder" Worksheet. I hope to continue to use this as well as try out the Curiosity spinner. ”
· Lindsey · Teacher
“The pacing was great! The lesson really engaged my students and helped them begin to think like scientists.”
· Elizabeth · Teacher
“My student's really enjoyed this activity. I was surprised at how many different questions they were curious about just by observing their hand.”
· Deborah · Teacher
“Teaching the students about questionsng.....the more details you notice, the more questions you're likely to come up with.”
· Kathy · Teacher
“Great way to introduce scientists as people who observe, wonder, and ask questions!”
· Maria · Teacher
“This lesson gave them a guideline for asking questions and paying closer attention to their surroundings. What a great way to introduce mystery science and Doug to the students. :) ”
· Jodi · Teacher
“I love how this lesson is SO simple, but it lays the basic foundations for science: making observations and asking questions. Why have I not thought before of having my kids look at simple objects to come up with questions about them? I love how it makes the kids mini scientists who are thinking about the world around them. Thanks for continuing to produce excellent content! One follow-up I'd be interested in is a lesson about HOW scientists answer questions - basically, a lesson that walks through how we answer questions of different types.”
· Chelsea · Homeschooler
“The students had a great time coming up with questions about their hand and sharing the questions with their partners.”
· Nadine · Teacher
“This is a great lesson to teach students to look(observe) things closely.”
· Sandra · Teacher
“I love the question and the answer. It encourages kids to ask questions. Love it!”
· Rebecca · Teacher
“The kids really thought up great questions and then were able to think through them to find the answer. My favorite question was, "Why do my fingers wrinkle when they get wet?" The answer to that question is fascinating!”
· Catherine · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this mini-lesson, students deepen their understanding of two foundational scientific practices: making observations and asking questions. In the activity, Curiosity Challenge, students “train their brains” by observing an everyday object and asking questions like a scientist would.
Preview activity
Curiosity Question (Grades K-2) printout 1 per student
Wonder Journal (Grades 3-5) printout 1 per student
Wonder Journal (Grades K-2) printout 1 per student
Prep Instructions

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

This activity can be repeated throughout the year with any object to help focus student observations, spark curiosity, and invite questions for deeper understanding!

Interested in extending this lesson? Check out our "Curiosity Wheel" in the Extensions to extend this activity throughout the school year!

Exploration

10 mins

Hands-On Activity

20 mins

Extend this lesson

Activity

Activity

Students can continue to ask questions and make observations throughout the school year with our Curiosity Wheel extension activity!

Teaching virtually this semester? Try our online version!

Discussions

Discussion

  1. Describe how scientists know so much.

  2. What did this lesson make you curious about? What other questions do you have about scientists?

Activity

Activity

Looking closely at the world around you and asking questions is the first step to becoming a scientist. Try this: Find your favorite toy. Make a drawing of it. Try to write or draw every single thing that you can see or touch. Then, think of questions about your toy. Where did it come from? What is it made of? See if you can come up with 5 questions, or even 10 questions!

Credits
 
How do scientists know so much?

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