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Curiosity Quest

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Lesson Plan

Curiosity Quest Lesson Plan

Guide 7th graders through a fast, hands-on mini research project to discover and share a new interest or skill, boosting intrinsic motivation and confidence in learning.

Fostering curiosity early develops lifelong learners, enhances engagement, and empowers students to explore passions independently.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Brainstorm, research, and share discoveries.

Materials

Prep

Setup and Materials Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Prompt

2 minutes

  • Explain that today’s goal is to quickly explore something new that interests each student.
  • Distribute the Curiosity Quest Student Worksheet.
  • Model an example (e.g., “I might learn about skateboarding tricks”).

Step 2

Brainstorming

3 minutes

  • Students list 2–3 topics or skills they’re curious about on their worksheet.
  • Encourage creative and personal interests (hobbies, subjects, crafts).
  • Circulate to support and prompt deeper ideas.

Step 3

Quick Research

5 minutes

  • Students select one topic and use the Curiosity Quest Research Resources to find:
    • A basic definition or how it works
    • One fun fact or tip
  • Remind students to note sources on their worksheet.

Step 4

Peer Sharing

3 minutes

  • Students pair up or share in small groups via Smartboard or verbally.
  • Each student presents:
    • Their chosen topic
    • One key thing they learned
  • Applaud effort and unique interests.

Step 5

Wrap-Up Reflection

2 minutes

  • Ask volunteers to share how the mini-research felt and what they might explore further.
  • Emphasize that curiosity is a skill and encourage continuing the exploration beyond class.
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Slide Deck

Curiosity Quest

A 15-minute journey to discover something new!

Welcome students. Introduce the Curiosity Quest activity and its purpose: a quick, hands-on exploration to spark new interests. Show gradient background to set an engaging tone.

Introduction & Prompt

• Goal: Explore a new interest
• Distribute Curiosity Quest Student Worksheet
• Example: “I’m curious about skateboarding tricks”

Time: 2 minutes

Explain the activity steps. Distribute the student worksheet and model an example (e.g. “I’m curious about skateboarding tricks”).

Brainstorming

• List 2–3 topics or skills you’re curious about
• Think hobbies, crafts, sports, subjects
• Write your ideas on the worksheet

Time: 3 minutes

Guide students through brainstorming. Circulate to encourage deeper or creative ideas.

Quick Research

• Choose one topic from your list
• Use the Curiosity Quest Research Resources to find:
– A basic definition or how it works
– One fun fact or tip
• Note your sources on the worksheet

Time: 5 minutes

Remind students to use provided resources and keep an eye on the timer. Highlight where to find definitions and fun facts.

Share & Reflect

• Pair up or share in small groups:
– Your chosen topic
– One key thing you learned
• Volunteers share how research felt and what they might explore next

Time: 5 minutes (3 min sharing, 2 min reflection)

Facilitate peer sharing and wrap-up reflection. Encourage applause and celebrate unique interests.

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Worksheet

Curiosity Quest Student Worksheet

Time: 15 minutes

1. Brainstorming (3 min)

List 2–3 topics or skills you’re curious about:

  1. _________________________________


  2. _________________________________


  3. _________________________________


2. Quick Research (5 min)

Chosen Topic: _________________________________


Using Curiosity Quest Research Resources, find:

  • Basic definition or how it works:





  • One fun fact or tip:





  • Source (website/video): _________________________________


3. Peer Sharing (3 min)

  • My topic: _________________________________


  • One key thing I learned:





  • What I might explore next:





4. Reflection (2 min)

How did this mini-research feel?






What would you like to learn more about later?





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Activity

Curiosity Quest Research Resources

A curated list of quick, reliable sites and videos where you can explore your chosen topic.

  1. National Geographic Kids (Website)
    – Explore articles, photos, and videos on animals, science, geography, and more.
    Link: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
  2. Khan Academy (Website)
    – Free, student-friendly lessons on topics from math and science to art history.
    Link: https://www.khanacademy.org
  3. Britannica School (Website)
    – Trusted encyclopedia articles written at a middle-school level.
    Link: https://school.eb.com
  4. TED-Ed (Video Library)
    – Short, animated lessons on a wide range of topics, each under 5 minutes.
    Link: https://ed.ted.com
  5. SciShow Kids (YouTube Channel)
    – Fun science videos that answer curious questions in a kid-friendly way.
    Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/scishowkids

Reminder: Note which resource you used on your worksheet, and look for a basic definition and one fun fact or tip about your topic!

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