1.2 Challenging discussion question scenario (The teacher has given the same question to the class to discuss in groups. He listens in to one group.) Frances: I B and C are correct. Serwah: That’s because metals conduct heat. Jack: Yes. Metals are conductors and plastics are insulators. Teacher: So the metal and plastic be at different temperatures? Jack: Well B is right Eva: It’s for electricity but is it the same for heat? Jack: Yes so that makes A and B right but what about C? Frances: Plastics keep their temperature and metals lose theirs. So what is actually flowing and from where to where? Teacher: Frances: Temperature. It out of the metal rod but stays in the plastic one and so the plastic feels warmer. Teacher: What do you others think? Is C correct? Serwah, Eva and Jack both nod. Frances shakes her head. What does this conversation tell you about this group’s understanding? What might you do next with this class?
1.2 Challenging discussion question scenario (The teacher has given the same question to the class to discuss in groups. He listens in to one group.) Frances: I B and C are correct. Serwah: That’s because metals conduct heat. Jack: Yes. Metals are conductors and plastics are insulators. Teacher: So the metal and plastic be at different temperatures? Jack: Well B is right Eva: It’s for electricity but is it the same for heat? Jack: Yes so that makes A and B right but what about C? Frances: Plastics keep their temperature and metals lose theirs. Teacher: So what is actually flowing and from where to where? Frances: Temperature. It out of the metal rod but stays in the plastic one and so the plastic feels warmer. Teacher: What do you others think? Is C correct? Serwah, Eva and Jack both nod. Frances shakes her head. What does this conversation tell you about this group’s understanding? What might you do next with this class?