20 minutes
Lesson Title: Lesson 3: The Power of Asking Why
Starter Kit WHY + HOW to begin living the life you want + being the person you want to be.
Curriculum & Grade Level: Future Proof, 7th Grade
Objective:
You will independently explore a topic of your choice using "why" questions, conduct research, and set goals for developing your curiosity and questioning skills.
Materials Needed:
Index cards or paper (one per student)
Pens or pencils
Access to books or printed materials (if available) or students can use their prior knowledge
A timer (optional)
Activity Outline
1. Choose a Topic (5 minutes)
Choose a topic you are curious about. This can be anything that interests you, such as a historical event, a scientific phenomenon, a personal hobby, or a social issue.
Write down your chosen topic in the space provided, or in an index card.
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2. Ask "Why" Questions (5 minutes)
Next, write at least three "why" questions related to your chosen topic. Think deeply and creatively.
Example prompts for questions:
“Why does this phenomenon happen?”
“Why is this topic important?”
“Why do people have different opinions about this?”
Focus on open-ended questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer.
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3. Research and Reflection (5 minutes)
Now, spend time researching your topic using available books, printed materials, or your own knowledge to begin answering your "why" questions.
Take brief notes on the answers you find, focusing on the connections to their original questions.
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4. Set Curiosity Goals (5 minutes)
After researching, write down one goal related to developing your curiosity and questioning skills.
Examples of goals could include:
“I will ask at least one 'why' question every day about something I encounter.”
“I will explore a new topic each week and write down my 'why' questions.”
Write their goals in the space below or on your own paper, making sure to specify how they will achieve these goals.
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Conclusion
You can choose to share your chosen topics, "why" questions, and goals with the class if time permits, but sharing is optional. This activity encourages self-directed learning and promotes the development of curiosity and critical thinking skills. You will leave with a better understanding of your interests and a concrete goal to further your exploration.
Rubric
Criteria | Exemplary (4) | Proficient (3) | Developing (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
Topic Selection | Topic is clearly defined, highly relevant, and demonstrates genuine curiosity. | Topic is clearly defined and relevant but may not fully demonstrate curiosity. | Topic is somewhat unclear or only partially relevant. | Topic is unclear or lacks relevance or thoughtfulness. |
"Why" Questions | Includes at least 3 thoughtful, open-ended "why" questions that inspire deep inquiry. | Includes 3 open-ended "why" questions, though some may lack depth or creativity. | Includes fewer than 3 questions, or questions are mostly closed-ended or superficial. | Fewer than 2 questions provided, or questions lack relevance or depth. |
Research & Reflection | Research effectively addresses all "why" questions with thoughtful notes and connections. | Research addresses most "why" questions, with clear but basic connections. | Research addresses few "why" questions or notes lack depth and connections. | Little to no research is evident, or notes are incomplete or missing. |
Curiosity Goal | Goal is specific, actionable, and demonstrates a strong commitment to curiosity. | Goal is clear and actionable, showing a general commitment to curiosity. | Goal is vague, lacks specificity, or is not actionable. | Goal is missing or does not relate to curiosity or questioning skills. |
Presentation (Optional) | (If shared) Ideas are presented clearly, confidently, and with enthusiasm. | (If shared) Ideas are presented clearly but with limited enthusiasm or detail. | (If shared) Ideas are presented with difficulty or lack clarity. | (If shared) Ideas are not presented, or presentation is unclear or disengaged. |
Scoring Guidelines
Total possible points: 20
18–20 points: Outstanding work that exceeds expectations.
15–17 points: Strong work that meets all expectations.
10–14 points: Developing work that meets some expectations but needs improvement.
Below 10 points: Needs significant improvement.