How to Encourage Scientific Thinking and Exploration in the Second Plane

Science is the study of the world around us, and a scientist's job is to ask questions about the world and then experiment to find the answers. There is not a more natural scientist than the Elementary child, whose reasoning mind is eager to ask questions, investigate, and discuss and compare findings with their peers. In this article, the authors discuss some ideas that can take science offerings beyond the common lessons and use of nomenclature and into the realm of deep investigation. They also discuss the importance of equity in science education and talk about some of the ways that the environment and the topics addressed can help foster critical thinking around science and ethics and support the Elementary child in using their skills to ultimately improve their immediate communities and the broader world.