How can you encourage curiosity in K-12 curriculum?

1 Ask open-ended questions

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stimulate curiosity is to ask open-ended questions that invite students to explore, investigate, and discover. Open-ended questions are those that have more than one possible answer, require higher-order thinking skills, and encourage students to share their opinions, perspectives, and reasoning. For example, instead of asking "What is the capital of Canada?", you could ask "Why do you think Ottawa was chosen as the capital of Canada?" or "How would you design a new capital for Canada?". Open-ended questions can be used in any subject and grade level, and they can also be used to prompt students to ask their own questions and pursue their own interests.

2 Incorporate project-based learning

Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that engages students in authentic, meaningful, and collaborative tasks that address real-world problems or challenges. PBL fosters curiosity by allowing students to choose their own topics, questions, and products, as well as by providing them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills across disciplines and contexts. PBL also promotes student autonomy, self-direction, and ownership of their learning, which can motivate them to pursue their passions and interests. PBL can be integrated into any curriculum, as long as it aligns with the learning objectives, standards, and assessments.

3 Use multimedia and technology

Multimedia and technology can be powerful tools to enhance curiosity and learning in the classroom. Multimedia refers to any combination of text, images, audio, video, animation, or interactivity that can be used to present information or create learning experiences. Technology refers to any device, software, or platform that can be used to access, create, or share multimedia. Multimedia and technology can capture students' attention, stimulate their senses, and provide them with multiple ways to access, process, and express information. They can also expose students to diverse sources, perspectives, and cultures, as well as to new ideas, concepts, and phenomena. Multimedia and technology can be used in any curriculum, as long as they are relevant, appropriate, and supportive of the learning goals.

4 Encourage experimentation and failure

Experimentation and failure are essential components of curiosity and learning. Experimentation is the process of trying out new ideas, methods, or materials, without knowing the outcome or result. Failure is the state of not achieving the desired or expected outcome or result. Experimentation and failure can foster curiosity by challenging students to test their assumptions, hypotheses, or predictions, as well as by providing them with feedback, data, or evidence. Experimentation and failure can also foster creativity, resilience, and growth mindset, which are important skills for lifelong learning. Experimentation and failure can be encouraged in any curriculum, as long as they are framed as opportunities for learning, not as indicators of performance or ability.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?