Curiosity Quest Slides FIELD GUIDE SERIES
What Sparks Your
Curiosity?
Discovering your passions to change the world.
The Explorer's Mindset
Notice Everything
Great ideas start by observing the world around you with fresh eyes.
Ask "Why?" and "How?"
Don't take things at face value. Dig deeper into the mechanics of life.
Follow the Spark
Your interests are clues to where you can make the biggest impact.
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
— Albert Einstein
Inventory: Passions
What makes you lose track of time?
Creative
• Drawing & Design
• Music & Rhythm
• Storytelling
• Building (LEGO/Minecraft)
Technical
• Coding & Logic
• Science Experiments
• Nature & Animals
• Mechanics/Engines
Social
• Helping Others
• Sports & Teams
• Gaming & Community
• Teaching / Explaining
Think of three things you could talk about for 10 minutes without preparation.
Inventory: Problems
Curiosity isn't just about what we love—it's also about what we want to fix.
Climate Change & Environment
Animal Welfare & Conservation
Health & Food Security
Access to Technology/Education
Finding Your "Spark"
PASSION
What you
PROBLEM
What you
Example: I love Art + I want to fix Ocean Pollution =
Your Turn!
Open your Curiosity Quest Worksheet.
Brainstorm
Connect
Ignite
Curiosity Quest Worksheet Curiosity Quest
Field Guide & Reflection Sheet
NAME:
DATE:
Mission: To find the intersection between what you love and what the world needs.
1. Passion Inventory
What topics, activities, or hobbies could you talk about for 10 minutes straight? List as many as you can!
1. __________________________________________
2. __________________________________________
3. __________________________________________
4. __________________________________________
5. __________________________________________
6. __________________________________________
My Top Choice:
2. Problem Scout
What is something in your school, community, or the wider world that bothers you or needs fixing?
In my community/school:
In the global world:
Problem I Care Most About:
3. The Spark Equation
My Passion
A Challenge
=
My Curiosity Spark
4. The Big Question
Based on your "Spark" above, write one question that you'd like to investigate or solve. (Example: "How can I use my coding skills to help elderly people find community?")
"
Every great change starts with a single curious thought. Keep exploring!
Spark Facilitator Guide Teacher Resource
REF: CURIOSITY-SPARK-01
Spark Session Facilitator Guide
30 Minutes
Grade 6
Inquiry-Based Learning
Learning Objectives
• Identify at least 3 personal passions or interests.
• Identify at least 2 real-world challenges or community problems.
• Synthesize a passion and a problem into a potential inquiry question.
Required Materials
Curiosity Quest Slides
Visual guide for the session.
Student Worksheet
1 per student for reflection.
Quick Tips
Normalization:
Reiterate that curiosity isn't just about school subjects. Gaming, sports, and social media are all valid passions!
Wait Time:
Give students at least 30 seconds of silence during brainstorm moments before prompting them.
Lesson Flow & Pacing
5 MIN
The Explorer Mindset (Slides 1-2)
Hook the students and define the mindset of an inquirer.
Discussion Prompt:
"If you had to teach the class something right now for 5 minutes, what would you teach us? That's a spark of curiosity!"
10 MIN
Passion Inventory (Slide 3)
Guide students to complete Part 1 of the Curiosity Quest Worksheet.
Show Slide 3 as a 'Word Bank' for inspiration.
Encourage them to write at least 3 items. If they are stuck, ask: "What's the last YouTube video you watched for fun?"
10 MIN
Problem Scout & Intersection (Slides 4-5)
Connect interests to impact. Complete Parts 2 & 3 of the worksheet.
Facilitation Note:
Model the "Spark Equation" on the board using a personal example. Example: "I love baking + I'm worried about school hunger = How can I organize a bake sale for the local pantry?"
5 MIN
The Inquiry Hook (Slide 6)
Wrap up and set the stage for future learning.
Have 2-3 students share their "Big Question" from Part 4. Remind them that these questions aren't just for today—they are the start of their journey as explorers.
Differentiation & Support
For Students Who Are Stuck:
Provide a "Curiosity Menu" with pre-set categories (e.g., Space, Animals, Video Games, Fairness). Have them circle one from each column rather than writing from scratch.
Extension for Early Finishers:
Ask them to think of three different Spark Equations. Which one feels the most exciting? Have them draw a small thumbnail sketch of what their "Spark" solution might look like.
Curiosity Menu Reference Sheet Scaffolding Resource
The Curiosity Menu
Stuck on your Curiosity Quest? Use this menu to find a "Spark" that interests you. You can pick from these or use them to brainstorm your own!
Passion Ideas
Creative & Play
Video Gaming
Drawing/Manga
Building (LEGO)
Fashion Design
Cooking/Baking
Digital Music
Logic & Science
Coding/Apps
Space Exploration
Animal Behavior
Robotics
Marine Biology
Psychology
Active & Social
Sports/Teams
Skateboarding
Teaching Others
TikTok Trends
Hiking/Nature
Community Organizing
Challenge Ideas
Planet & Nature
Plastic in the Oceans
Global Warming
Endangered Species
People & Fairness
Homelessness/Housing
Mental Health/Loneliness
Access to Education
School & Local
Cyberbullying
Quality of School Lunch
Safe Biking Paths
Example "Sparks"
Minecraft + School Lunch
Design a digital school cafeteria that makes waiting in line fun using gaming ideas.
Drawing + Ocean Health
Create a comic book hero who fights "The Plastic King" to teach kids about recycling.
Basketball + Loneliness
Start a "New Kid League" where old and new students play together to make friends.
