Question+Formulation+Technique

This material is adapted from a presentation at the eMINTS Conference 2013 with permission of the presenters [] The site they created is at: []
 * 213-From the QFT (Question Formulation Technique) to Inquiry, Michelle Kendrick and Bonnie Ekle **

= Work your way through the following steps: =

Step One: The Q Focus
Read the directions on the 1/2 sheet on your table. Experiment with the materials on your table. Spend only about five minutes with this exploration. Here is a timer if you need help keeping track. After five minutes move to the next step - brainstorming.

Group 2 - Ping Pong Fling - Follow the directions at your table.
===Group 3 - Tug of War - manipulate this simulation. Determine how it works.. === ===Group 4 - Xperica Simulation - Law of Moments. Play with this simulation on the iPad. ===

Group 5 - Ping Pong Zip Line - Follow the directions at your table.
===Group 6 - Walking on Water - Watch this video. === ===Group 7 - NASA Visualization Explorer - use this iPad app. Select one of the visualizations and explore its contents. Directions in the app. ===

Group 8 - Dancing Raisins - Follow the directions at your table.


Step Two: Brainstorming


Write as many questions as you possibly can.
Choose a recorder to write your questions on the chart paper provided. Follow these rules for brainstorming:

1. Write as many questions as you can. 2. Do not discuss, judge or answer any questions. 3. Write down every question exactly as stated. 4. Once all questions are written, change any statements to questions.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Step Three: Improve Questions
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1. Review your list of questions and mark closed questions with a "C" and open questions with an "O".

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of closed and open questions. What times are open-ended questions more useful? And when might closed questions be more useful? Download the [|QFT handout] and complete the table entitled: //Advantages and Disadvantages of Open and Closed Questions.// Continue to complete the handout as you proceed through the remaining steps.

3. Look carefully at your questions. **Improve** two questions by converting one open-ended question into a closed question and converting one closed question to an open question. (If you find you are having trouble, ask for a list of question stems.) Write your new questions on your chart paper.

4. Discuss how changing questions might make you look at questions differently.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Groups with Experiments:
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1.. Take another look at your set of questions. Highlight any questions that are investigable - can be answered by experimentation. Investigable questions are testable.

2. If you do not find any investigable questions, create at least three good investigable questions. If you have a good list of investigable questions, choose the three best. Discuss within your group: What are the criteria for a good question that can be tested in our classroom?

3. For each question you have chosen, discuss why these are the three best questions. What is your rationale for chosing these questions?

==<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Groups with Design Tasks: Groups 1 (Pongsat) 2 (Ping Pong fling) and 5 (Ping Pong zipline) == <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1. Take another look at your set of questions. Which of these questions are most important in helping you with your design? Highlight these questions.

2. Choose the three most important questions to be answered to help you create your design.

3. For each question you have chosen, discuss why these are the best questions. What is your rationale for choosing these questions?

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Groups with Experiments:
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1. Choose the one best question your group feels could be tested in our classroom. Your group must come to consensus about this question. Consider the following as you make your decision:
 * Can we test this question in our classroom? Is it doable for us?
 * Can we get the supplies needed?
 * Could it be done in 1 - 2 class periods?
 * Do you need more research to design an experiment?

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> 2. What will be your first steps in order to proceed with your investigation? Make a list of the steps your group should complete to design an investigation.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Groups with Design Tasks: Groups 1 (Pongsat) and 5 (Ping pong zipline)
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1. How might you proceed to complete your design? Make a list of steps your group should complete in order to solve your design problem. Need some help? Check out these engineering design steps for students from NASA.