Are Polar Bears Left-Handed (Pawed)? SCAMPER This! SCAMPER Framework Ella's Experiment The Science Experience	Are Polar Bears Left-Handed? Nurturing and Encouraging Student Interests. For educators teaching the next and next generation of scientists, thinkers and tinkerers, the title question provides a unique example of how a simple observation, be it our own or someone else’s, can, through the application of both creative and critical thinking processes, be transformed into a dynamic inquiry that increases our understanding and appreciation of the world around us. A study about polar bears handedness may not appeal to all, or even most. If, however, you are left-handed, you may be predisposed to finding this particular observation or anecdote about polar bears a little curious; or, perhaps you might be the only right-handed sibling in your otherwise predominantly left-handed family unit. Or, no matter how we spin it, some people may never find anything engaging about polar bear handedness. Clearly, what interests you may be very different from what interests me, and for a class of fifteen or more students, individual areas of interest and disciplines of expertise will be similarly varied. These differences will hopefully result in dynamic scientific inquiries and memorable learning experiences that reflect each student’s individuality and creativity. Avoid Cookie Cutter Investigations. What is a cookie cutter inquiry? Consider an inquiry that asks, which battery brand lasts longer? For this inquiry, the student sets up an experimental protocol to compare Battery A to Battery B, or perhaps includes Batteries C through E as well. These types of uninspired consumer products testing can be mutated a dozen times over by substituting other nouns and verbs. Which light bulb lasts the longest? Which fertilizer works best? Which type of soil supplement helps plants grow better? Which paper towel is most absorbent? Without question, comparative studies can lead to fantastic inquiries, but when applied exclusively to consumer products testing, the formulaic, “plug and chug” inquiry does little to advance a student’s understanding or knowledge, nor does it generally make for compelling science. Encourage students to explore subjects and questions that interest them Good Whichs! Consider the following sophisticated “which” comparison. Which ice cubes are safer to use, ice cubes made from toilet water or from a restaurant ice machine? Stated differently: are machine ice cubes safe to use, or do you know where your ice cubes have been? This extensive study conducted by a middle school student involved a comparison of water samples taken from half a dozen restaurants. The samples were then professionally analyzed at a testing laboratory. The student took the position and made the hypothesis that toilet water produced "safer" ice cubes-a shocking hypothesis. The student's research garnered her placement and advancement in the Intel ISEF competition and a spot on the morning talk shows. Perhaps, most importantly, her work prompted increased awareness about a potential health hazard. (Next)
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