1. Compare these three graphs.

2. What conclusion do you make from each graph?

3. What conclusion would your students make from each graph?

x

x

xx x

x x

x

x

xxxx

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

xx

xx

xx

x

x

x

xxxxx x

x

x xxxx

x

Convection vs. Convergence

Deep vs. Surface Currents

Global vs. Regional vs. Local Scale

Designing Testable Questions

Asking questions (for science) and defining

problems (for engineering)

Developing and using models

Planning and carrying out investigations

Analyzing and interpreting data

Using mathematics and computational thinking

Constructing explanations (for

science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

Engaging in argument from evidence

Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating

information

What does “testable question” mean to you?

What does “testable question” mean to your students?

Testable Questions

Non-testable Question Testable Question

Answered by doing reading. Measureable or answered with data.

Why? Is? How? What? When? Who? Which?

Checklist & Revisions(your questions)

Question begins with How, What, When, Who, or Which.

Question is measurable or able to be investigated with data. (**available to or accessible by you)

Question includes effects/variables being investigated.

Only 1-2 effects/variables are included in question.

How did it go?

Thoughts? Comments? Reflections?

Checklist & Revisions(student questions)

Question begins with How, What, When, Who, or Which.

Question is measurable or able to be investigated with data. (**available to or accessible by them)

Question includes effects/variables being investigated.

Only 1-2 effects/variables are included in question.

With a partner…Student pitfalls Ways to help?

Getting students to ask questions

• Work in grade-bands• Brainstorm the process you will use or

strategies to help your students develop their testable questions for the investigations.

• Make a list of key points you all come up with and will utilize with your students to present to the group.

Question Formulation Technique™• The QFT is a simple, but rigorous, step-by-step process designed to

help students produce, improve and strategize on how to use their questions.

• The QFT allows students to practice three thinking abilities in one process: divergent, convergent and metacognitive thinking.

• Components of QFT:1. The Question Focus (QFocus)2. The Rules for Producing Questions3. Producing Questions4. Categorizing Questions5. Prioritizing Questions6. Next Steps7. Reflection