Question Cubes: Expanding Inquiry in a Gifted Classroom

What Are Question Cubes?

Question cubes are a dynamic tool designed to enhance questioning strategies by providing structured yet flexible prompts. Each cube contains different types of words or phrases that help generate thoughtful and varied questions. The basic idea is to roll the cubes and use the results to formulate a question. 

The Structure of Question Cubes

Start by exploring the ORIGINAL TWO CUBES! 

1. Question Starters: How, What, When, Where, Which, Why, Who
2. Helping Verbs/Modals: Might, Would, Could, Should, Did, Will, Is, Can

NEXT, INTRODUCE SOME POSSIBLE THIRD CUBES! 

1. Thinking Skills: Explain, Evaluate, Analyze, Define, Apply, Create

2. Topics: A Problem, Current Events, Book/Movie, Your Life, Peer, History

3. Modifiers: Focus on the Future, Make It Hypothetical, Include a Comparison, Use Specific Vocabulary, Ask About the Past, Include a Fact

4. Reflection Questions: To What Extent, In What Ways, Might This Be Improved, Should I Adjust, Will I Apply This, Did I Learn

By rolling different cubes together, students can construct complex and meaningful questions. For example, rolling:

• "Why" (Question Starter)

• "Might" (Helping Verb)

• "A Problem" (Topic)
  Might lead to a question like: Why might this problem persist despite attempted solutions?

OR.... WHY NOT INCORPORATE CUBES FEATURING DEPTH & COMPLEXITY? 

1. Language of the Discipline

2. Unanswered Questions

3. Details

4. Rules

5. Over Time

6. Patterns

7. Trends

8. Ethics

9. Big Ideas

10. Across Disciplines

11. Multiple Perspectives

12. A WILD CARD!  

Using Question Cubes in a Gifted Classroom

1. Encouraging Higher-Order Thinking:

   • Rolling the "Thinking Skills" cube along with a "Question Starter" cube prompts students to analyze, evaluate, or create rather than just recall information.

   • Example: How might we improve our understanding of historical events by comparing primary and secondary sources?

2. Inquiry-Based Learning & Research:

   • Students can roll the cubes to generate research questions before starting a project or investigation.

   • Example: Which factors could influence climate change policies in different countries?

3. Socratic Seminars & Discussion Starters:

   • Use the cubes to generate open-ended discussion questions for literature circles, debates, or philosophy discussions.

   • Example: To what extent does the protagonist’s decision reflect real-world ethical dilemmas?

4. Creative Writing Prompts:

   • Students can roll cubes to generate prompts for storytelling or argumentative writing.

   • Example: What would happen if a historical figure had access to modern technology?

5. Self-Reflection & Metacognition:

   • The reflection-based cubes help students evaluate their own learning.

   • Example: How did my thinking change after completing this project?

6. Interdisciplinary Connections:

   • Using topic-based cubes, students can ask cross-curricular questions.

   • Example: Why might scientific discoveries influence artistic movements?

Expanding the Concept

By adding a third cube, the depth of questioning increases exponentially. Instead of simply rolling "How + Can + Current Events," the addition of "Focus on the Future" modifies the question into something more forward-thinking:
"How can current events shape the future of artificial intelligence?"

This flexibility makes question cubes an invaluable tool for any gifted classroom. Imagine the possibilities when students start shaping their own cubes! 🚀