Wonder Rings
A Collection of Student Questions
How do you inspire students to become active learners who pose questions and search for answers? Create Wonder Rings to capture kids' questions about tulip bulbs, planting experiments, garden locations, sunlight, and seasonal change. Wonder Rings will keep student-posed questions central to the learning process throughout the Tulip Garden investigation.
Write these topic words on the chalkboard. Model how to wonder aloud by sharing questions about the topics that intrigue you:
- Tulip Bulbs
- Planting
- Climate, Weather, and Seasonal Change
Place students in small groups for a brainstorming activity. Have students think about the topics and jot down their own questions. Gather the class and invite volunteers to share some of the questions that were brainstormed.
Introduce your students to Wonder Rings by showing this photo or sharing a sample. Provide hole-punched index cards or paper tags, markers, pipe cleaners, or metal rings. Instruct students to write one question on each card or tag. Provide a few blank cards for questions generated over the course of the investigation. As students find answers to their questions, have them write the discovery statements on the back of the tag. Be sure to set aside time throughout the Tulip Garden investigation to revisit the wonder rings and celebrate the questions and discoveries students are collecting.
Begin the hunt for answers by exploring nonfiction books, and reading through the "Ask the Expert" questions and answers. Many of your questions will need time and observation before students can answer them.
Tip: Provide time for students to add questions to their Wonder Rings when questions arise (while making observations, anayzing maps and data, reading books, etc.).
Capture students' questions with Wonder Rings