The power of productive uncertainty in classroom science

Designing and supporting classroom investigations that:

Represent the uncertainty inherent in science and engineering

Support engagement in the science and engineering practices

Feel productive for teachers and children

Why Uncertainty?

Uncertainty is central to science and science investigation! Investigators aren’t just uncertain about their explanations, but also how to design an experiment, what evidence to focus on, and how to make sense of and generalize from data.

Uncertainty motivates sensemaking at all ages— from toddlers figuring out new toys through scientists deep in their fields.

The Big Ideas

Classroom Investigations

What are classroom investigations? What does it look like when a science investigation uses uncertainty to motivate sensemaking?

Uncertainty in Science Practice

What kinds of uncertainty come up in investigations? How can they be productive for students and teachers?

Teaching for Uncertainty

How do teachers nurture uncertainty? What can they do when uncertainty arises in classroom discussion?

Example Investigations

Investigations we have developed with teachers, including lesson plans and student materials—for inspiration or for your use and adaptation.

Coming soon:
Heating & Cooling

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