Navigation
This lesson teaches students how to turn their curiosity into 'why' questions to learn more about their environment.
Imagine you are a detective with a magic key that can unlock the secrets of everything you see. That magic key is just one word: 'Why?'
Every time you see something interesting, your brain starts to wonder. A question is a way to turn that wonder into words. The word 'Why' is special because it asks for a reason. When we ask 'Why?', we are looking for the story behind an object. For example, instead of just looking at a coat, we can ask, 'Why do we wear coats when it is cold?' This helps us understand that coats keep our body heat inside!
Quick Check
What is the special word we use when we want to find out the reason for something?
Answer
The word is 'Why'.
To be a Question Detective, you must know the difference between a statement and a question. A statement is a sentence that tells us a fact, like 'The grass is green.' It ends with a period. A question is a sentence that asks for information, like 'Why is the grass green?' It ends with a question mark (?). Think of a question mark like a hook that is waiting to catch an answer!
Let's look at two sentences about a dog: 1. The dog is barking. (This is a statement because it tells us what is happening.) 2. Why is the dog barking? (This is a question because it is asking for a reason.)
Quick Check
Does a question end with a period or a question mark?
Answer
A question ends with a question mark (?).
Imagine you see a wilting plant. 1. First, make a statement: 'The plant looks sad.' 2. Next, turn it into a 'Why' question: 'Why is the plant wilting?' 3. Finally, look for the reason: 'Because it hasn't had water in three days!' Now you have learned that for plants.
You can ask 'Why' about anything! Even things that seem boring have secrets. A chair has legs so we don't sit on the floor. A pencil has an eraser because everyone makes mistakes. When you look at the world, don't just see things—see mysteries waiting to be solved.
Look at a bicycle. 1. Statement: 'The bike has round wheels.' 2. Question: 'Why are the wheels round instead of square?' 3. Thinking: Square wheels would bump up and down. Round wheels roll smoothly! 4. Result: You just learned about how shapes move!
Which of these is a 'Why' question?
What does a 'Why' question help us find?
Asking questions makes you a better learner.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, look at your breakfast and try to remember the 'magic word' we use to ask for reasons.
Practice Activity
Pick one object in your room (like a shoe or a lamp) and ask an adult or a friend one 'Why' question about it!