Questions, Questions and Observations

Hi J and Q -- J. and I were talking this morning about the different types of turtles we might see. And how we would know which one we were looking at.  It got me to thinking about the different types of questions we ask when we become interested in something.  There are so many questions...and so many types of questions. And then sometimes it is fun not to ask questions at all and simply observe.

I was just writing about a school I visited and one of my notes is that when we encounter new things sometimes we are learning about it (a lot or a little) and sometimes we are making meaning. And sometimes both.  The types of questions we ask and how we focus our attention when we observe (using any or all of our senses) is one way we make meaning.

So what types of questions do you like to ask?

Let's add to this list that I started?

Facts about One Thing: What is a loggerhead turtle? What does it look like? What are it's markings? How many eggs does it lay? Where? Observation is really helpful here. If we were thinking about history this might include dates and putting together a timeline.

Putting Facts Together: What are the differences and similarities between green turtles and loggerheads? What does a loggerhead look like as a baby and as an adult?  Charts are helpful to make comparisons.  We could compare how the Mayan empire developed over time and compare it to the Spanish history. (Personally, I have to do something otherwise my head fills with facts and recuerdo nada  -- that means I remember nothing!)

Understanding:  Why is something the way it is? Why does the loggerhead have a bigger head than the green turtle?  Does it eat different food?   Sometimes there are facts that can help us. Sometimes we have to analyze (think) and come up with good guesses until we find someone who can help us.  How has the Mayan culture shaped the Yucatan? How is the Yucatan different than other parts of Mexico?

Understanding How Something Has Changed Over Time: How have turtles changed over time? What did their ancestors look like in the dinosaur era? How has their population changed over the last century? (We get to ask why here as well so we can understand the reasons that something has changed. This is creating a story isn't it -- a story about how things have changed).  The Mayan language is still used...a lot? How has this changed over time...and why?

Understanding Context and How Things Are Linked to Each Other: What is changing that is impacting the turtles? Why are they endangered? Are they changing their behavior at all?  This is where we think across ideas -- history, culture, science.  Why does the Yucatan government think it is a good idea to teach Mayan in schools now? What changed?

Projecting into the Future:  How might things change in the future? Are there places where turtle popoulations are increasing? (WHY?) If some turtle populations are growing will that change other things? How might things change if the Yucatan schools start teaching in Mayan and Spanish? 


Empowerment:  What can we do to change the future? Who are other people and organizations we want to know about so we can learn from them?

And to wrap this up with pure nonsense?  How did this dog learn to get on this float and paddle?