A. We begin the investigation by framing the topic of study.

Prompt: Let’s think about solar energy. Does it provide all the energy for everything on Earth? Student responses included light and heat energy.

Question: Does the sun provide any other energy? Discussion includes solar flares, electromagnetic energy, and gravity.

Question: How can we detect these types of energy? Discussion leads to feeling heat and seeing light. The student suggests ideas to observe solar energy having an effect, such as using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on dry leaves to start a fire.

B. Observations: We gather instruments and materials to investigate, go to a parent-approved area of the backyard, and begin to collect data. Observations are discussed and wording negotiated to record what was observed.

C. Questions: Student lists questions and we discuss to state each one in a way it can be addressed. This process generates a need for some background information. Resources are provided as needed, and the questions are revised until suitable for investigation.