Using Questions for Many Purposes
Asking purposeful questions helps learners think about concepts in different ways, thereby expanding their learning experience. We can use our questions to encourage learners to observe, reflect, solve problems on their own, or explain what they are thinking. This helps them develop the skills to be successful in STEM.
Video-Based Learning Module
In this video, Katie leads a group through the Make Your Own Water Filter Activity. They are using everyday materials to make their filters. Katie wants them to use the engineering design process to test and improve their water filters.
As you watch the skill video below, think about these questions:
- How do Katie’s questions help further what she wants the youth to learn?
- What is one of Katie’s strategies to encourage the girls to fully develop their answers?
- How does Katie encourage predicting and observing through her questions?
- How does Katie’s non-verbal communication support her interaction with youth?
Now that you’ve watched the video, reflect on what you saw.
We all learn more effectively when we explore, observe, reflect, and apply what we’ve learned to their real world. We can support children in doing this by asking questions to encourage them to use these skills. We can also ask purposeful questions designed to draw upon their critical thinking skills or encourage them to solve problems on their own.
- How can you plan to use questions more purposefully to support STEM learning?
We encourage you to plan purposeful questions you can use before, during and after STEM activities that challenge learners to think hard and explain their ideas.
Related Resources
Skill: Asking Purposeful Questions
Water Filter
Practice using the engineering design process to design, build and test a water filter.
Get ActivitySkill: Asking Purposeful Questions
Developing Your Own Purposeful Questions
Participants will watch the Using Questions for Many Purposes Video-Based Learning Module and design a water filter to learn how to use questions and talk moves to deepen youths’ science thinking.
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