Keeping Pupils curious in STEM

Curiosity is at the heart of every great scientist, engineer, and inventor, and every curious child. It’s the spark that makes a pupil ask, “Why does this happen?” or “What if I tried it another way?” Yet somewhere along the way, that spark can dim. In schools, where time is short and tests are plenty, curiosity can quietly give way to routine, and discovery can become something reserved for the “right answer.”

At Aveea, we believe curiosity should never be left behind. We aim to help pupils rediscover that sense of wonder, the same wonder that leads to breakthroughs, creativity, and confidence beyond the classroom. Because the truth is, curiosity and learning go hand in hand; one cannot exist without the other.

Why curiosity matters

Curiosity fuels a lifelong love of learning. It encourages exploration, resilience, and problem solving, qualities that are essential in STEM and beyond. Without curiosity, lessons risk becoming static, memorised, and soon forgotten. With curiosity, even the simplest lesson can turn into a moment of discovery.

A curious pupil doesn’t just look for the “correct” solution; they explore why things work, what could be improved, and what might happen if they tried again. In a world that values innovation and adaptability, nurturing curiosity is one of the best investments we can make in a child’s future.

What we can do

So how do we keep curiosity alive in the classroom? The key is to give pupils ownership of their learning. This doesn’t mean abandoning structure, but rather weaving in opportunities for exploration, prediction, and discussion.

Invite questions. Encourage pupils to ask “what if” and “why” even when the lesson seems straightforward. Questions lead to thinking, and thinking leads to learning.

Let them make mistakes. Sometimes, the wrong answer is the right start. When pupils can test, fail, and try again without fear, they become true experimenters.

Build in surprises. Whether it’s a mystery object, an unexpected result, or a challenge with multiple solutions, the element of surprise keeps lessons fresh.

Connect learning to life. STEM is everywhere, in cooking, sports, and nature. Showing pupils how science fits into their world makes it meaningful and memorable.

Practical ways to spark curiosity

Here are a few simple yet powerful strategies teachers can use to keep curiosity alive in STEM lessons.

Let pupils make predictions. Before starting an experiment, ask pupils to guess what will happen. Use whiteboards or sticky notes so predictions can change as their thinking evolves. Revisit their answers afterward to highlight discoveries or surprises.

Encourage debate. Turn statements into true or false questions to spark discussion. For example, “Heavier objects always fall faster than lighter ones.” Celebrate different answers as they show engagement and critical thinking.

Create a curiosity corner. Set up a small space for “I wonder…” questions or mysterious objects. Magnets, fossils, old tech, or simple tools can invite endless speculation and conversation.

Draw science. Ask pupils to illustrate STEM concepts to make them tangible. For example, when exploring air resistance, have them draw arrows showing where the wind pushes against their clothing.

These small activities remind pupils that science isn’t just about answers. It is about discovery, imagination, and seeing the world differently.

Curiosity in action

In our recent Column Crush workshop, we asked pupils a simple question: “Do you think cardboard can hold a lot of weight?” Most of the responses were a confident “Nooo!” and plenty of laughter. But when they saw a huge Pelicase resting safely on top of the cardboard columns, the room fell into absolute shock and awe. At one point, we even had a child stand on top of the structure, and it held.

What followed was a wave of surprise, excitement, and a flurry of questions. “How is that possible?” “Why didn’t it collapse?” “Can we try it with more weight?” That’s curiosity at work, the moment when disbelief turns into discovery and wonder transforms into understanding.

Keeping the spark alive

Ultimately, curiosity isn’t something we can force; it’s something we nurture. It grows best in an environment that values questioning over perfection and exploration over memorisation. At Aveea, we aim to create those environments, spaces where pupils feel safe to experiment, challenge ideas, and discover their own potential.

The next time you see a child ask “why,” pause before answering. Maybe, instead of explaining, you can ask, “What do you think?” You might be surprised at where their curiosity takes you both.