Connecting Course Content to What Matters
Our Secret Sauce to Authentic Engagement
Science Connection Questions for Students
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What about Biology matters to students? HINT: Info sticks when it is applied to real life.
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Examples of questions our courses ask in Science (for example):
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Biology & Life Sciences
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- How might understanding cell division help explain something you've observed in your own body's healing process?
- Which ecosystem in our local area do you feel most connected to, and how does that ecosystem impact your daily life?
- If you could design a genetic modification for a plant you regularly eat, what would you change and why?
- How does your understanding of the digestive system influence your food choices?
- In what ways do you see natural selection operating in your own neighborhood or community?
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Chemistry
- Which chemical reactions do you rely on most in your daily routines?
- How has your understanding of molecular structures changed how you think about everyday materials in your home?
- Which household products contain acids or bases, and how does knowing their pH affect how you use them?
- How might understanding oxidation help you prevent something you own from deteriorating?
- If you had to explain the chemistry of your favorite food to someone, what would you highlight?
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Physics
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- How do you use principles of leverage and force in your favorite physical activities or sports?
- Where do you encounter examples of potential and kinetic energy in your typical day?
- How has understanding wave properties changed how you think about the music you listen to?
- Which simple machines do you depend on most in your daily life?
- How could applying principles of thermodynamics help you conserve energy at home?
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Earth Sciences
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- How have geological features in your area shaped your community's development?
- Which weather patterns affect your life most directly, and how do you adapt to them?
- How does your water usage connect to the larger water cycle in your region?
Astronomy
- How does understanding celestial movements connect to cultural celebrations or traditions in your family?
- In what ways does the moon's cycle affect activities you participate in?
- If you could visit any object in our solar system, which would you choose and why?
- How has humanity's exploration of space contributed to technology you use daily?
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Environmental Science
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- Which ecosystem services do you benefit from most in your daily life?
- How could you apply principles of sustainability to solve a problem in your school or home?
- What's one way your consumption patterns directly impact a specific environment or species?
- How has pollution affected something you personally care about?
- Which renewable energy source seems most promising for your community's needs?
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Health Sciences
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- How does your understanding of pathogens influence your personal hygiene habits?
- Which body system do you find most relevant to activities you enjoy?
- How could you apply knowledge about nutrition to improve your own wellbeing?
- What have you learned about the nervous system that helps explain something you've experienced?
- How might understanding hormones help you better manage your emotions or energy levels?
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Technology & Engineering
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- How could you use the engineering design process to solve a problem in your home?
- Which scientific principle would be most useful in designing something you wish existed?
- How has your understanding of materials science changed how you evaluate products you buy?
- Which technology do you use daily that would benefit most from applying new scientific discoveries?
- How could biomimicry inspire solutions to challenges in your own life?