Episode #17 The Power of Wonder: Using Phenomena to Hook Students

By Jennifer Hunter | The Learning Project Podcast

Hey there, friend! Whether you’re reading this on your prep break or while sipping coffee before class, I’m so glad you’re here. Today, we’re diving into something magical—something that can turn your science block into the most exciting part of your students’ day.

I’m talking about the power of wonder.

The kind of wonder that makes students lean in, eyes wide, brains buzzing with questions. The kind of wonder that gets kids thinking like scientists and engineers. And the best part? You don’t need a science lab or expensive materials to make it happen. All you need is a simple, powerful strategy: phenomena-based learning.

What Are Science Phenomena?

Let’s start with the basics.

Phenomena are real-world events that students can observe and ask questions about. Think:

• Why do shadows change throughout the day?
• How does salt melt ice?
• Why do some plants close their leaves when touched?
• What causes static electricity?

These are not just “fun facts.” These are powerful science anchors. Phenomena are the questions that lead to deep thinking, critical analysis, and real engagement with the world around us.

And here’s the exciting part—phenomena-based learning is at the heart of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). According to the National Research Council, students retain up to 30% more when learning is rooted in real-world questions and observable events.

Why Phenomena Hook Students

Phenomena do what no worksheet ever could:
They make learning feel real. Relevant. Alive.

Instead of “insert your name” science scenarios, you’re asking questions about the puddles outside, the popcorn in the microwave, the rainbow in the sky. And when students see science happening around them, their curiosity naturally kicks in. That’s when the magic happens.

Where to Find Great Science Phenomena

Start simple. Look around your own school environment.
🌦 Weather changes, recess shadows, melting ice, condensation on a water bottle—it’s all fair game.

Looking online? These are my favorite go-to sources:

• NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
• Wonderopolis
• Mystery Science
• Sick Science YouTube Channel

Here’s my rule of thumb: If it makes you say “Whoa!”, it’ll probably hook your students too.

How to Use Phenomena in the Classroom

Ready to try this in your classroom? Here’s a super simple and powerful framework to get started:

1. Start with Observation

Show an image or short video—no explanation. Just visuals. Then ask:
👉 What do you notice?
👉 What do you wonder?

Encourage students to write questions—not answers. You’ll be amazed by the depth of thinking that emerges.

2. Use the “Three Listens” Routine

This is one of my favorite strategies, and it mirrors close reading:

• First View: Silent. Students observe and jot down what they notice.
• Second View: Add narration or vocabulary to connect ideas.
• Third View: Make personal connections and dig deeper: What does this remind you of? What do you still wonder?

This routine helps all learners engage meaningfully and builds inquiry over time.

3. Let Curiosity Lead the Lesson

Build your investigations around the questions your students ask. Connect them to your standards, but follow their curiosity trail. You can even introduce a second phenomenon that contradicts or challenges their initial thinking. That cognitive dissonance? That’s gold. 💡

Connect Across Subjects

Phenomena don’t just belong in science. They make amazing cross-curricular connections:

Take this one:
Why does ice melt faster on blacktop than on grass?

• In science, students explore heat absorption.
• In math, they can graph temperature changes.
• In ELA, they can write an explanation or persuasive piece about climate or design solutions.

One question becomes an entire interdisciplinary unit!

Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Product

Inquiry is messy—and that’s a good thing. Let students document their process, their questions, their “Aha!” moments, and yes, their failures too. That’s where real learning lives.

Use tools like a STEM Journal or science notebooks to help students reflect and grow.

Need Phenomena to Use Right Now?

Here are five that you can introduce this week:
☁️ Why do rainbows form?
🌽 Why does popcorn pop?
🧂 How does salt melt ice?
🌿 Why do some plants move when touched?
⚡ What causes static electricity?

Use them as morning warm-ups, conversation starters, or full inquiry lessons!

Ready to Go Deeper?

🎁 Grab your free Phenomena Launch Guide filled with ready-to-use prompts, student questions, and cross-curricular ideas.

Your Wonder Challenge This Week

Here’s your teacher challenge:

👉 Choose one phenomenon.
👉 Show a photo or video.
👉 Ask your students: “What do you wonder?”
👉 Let their questions guide your lesson.

It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just start.

And when you do, I want to hear all about it! DM me over on Instagram @TheLearningProjectJenn or email me at [email protected]. I’d love to celebrate your classroom wonder moment—and maybe even share it with our community.

Final Thought

You don’t need fancy labs or expensive materials to teach science in a powerful way. You just need wonder. One great question. One brave step. One spark of curiosity.

And friend? You’ve got this. 🌟

Let’s keep building classrooms where curiosity leads and learning sticks.