The Power of Questions 

           This morning I walked in on a discussion about air. One child had brought up the issue about bicycles needing air in tires. “Why do bicycles need air in the tires to make them go?” After discussing this question, the teacher asked a question of her own…”What other questions do you have about air?” She then asked the children to do a brainstorm when she asked, “How many questions can you think of in the next 10 minutes?” She gave the children time to ask as many questions as possible about air. I wasn’t able to write down all of their questions, but I was able to record several. Here is what I have:

           * “Why does a fan push wind?”

           * “Why does oxygen help us to breathe?”

           * “Why does a football need air?”

           * “What creates air?”

           * “If we don’t have air to breathe, what will happen?”

           * “Does the Sun make air?” 

           * “Why does fire need air (to keep burning)?” 

           * “Why does air help humans to breathe?”

           * “Why does a balloon have air?” 

            * “Why do balloons need air to fly?”

            * “Why can you see your breath when it is cold?”

            * “Why does a fish breath out air bubbles?” 

              The children asked a lot more questions than I could write down in my limited knowledge of Vietnamese. The teachers were able to make a complete list of their questions, however. From here, the children, together with their teachers, will research, experiment, and talk with others in order to satisfy their curiosities about these and other questions they have about air.

Checking out the motorbike tires.                                                        Letting the air out of the tires

It’s difficult to turn the motorbike without air in the tires     The motorbike is difficult to push with out air in the tires

Taking out the electric pump from my car                                Getting ready to fill up the tires

With air in the tires, it’s much easier to turn the steering column         With air in the tires it’s so easy to push     

              Later that same day, a group of children came down into the playground area with me to conduct an experiment with motorbike tires to see if they could find out why motorbikes use air in their tires. First, we borrowed a motorbike. Then we took the air out of the tires. After that we pushed the bike around the playground to see if we could discover what it’s like to go on a motorbike without any air in the tires. (The children discovered it was more difficult to push the motorbike and it was more difficult to turn the handle bars of the motorbike). Finally, the children refilled the tires using the electric pump I keep in the trunk of my car. The children were then able to make some comparisons of a motorbike without air in the tires and a motorbike with air in the tires. How curious! How exciting! Through the experiment they learned some things. They thanked me again and again for coming and providing them with the pump for their experiment. Later, when the group returned to their class they had some things to report to those who didn’t participate.

Curiosity grows in an environment where questions are encouraged.

I am always encouraged when I pop into a classroom and find activities like this taking place.

Blessings,

Darren Czeczuga.

Educational Consultant