You've helped them one at a time. The real understanding is how the ideas CONNECT — teach that next.
Gasp (discrepant-event noticing — the moment something breaks your expectation) ×Mull (hypothesis-from-surprise — sit with the puzzle, then say what MIGHT be happening)
A ball rolls UPHILL and you gasp. Why is that surprise what lets you form a hypothesis?
Gasp then says: “You can form a good hypothesis without noticing anything surprising first.” — is that right?
The link: the surprise opens the question; the hypothesis is the first attempt to answer it.
Notice what breaks, then guess why it broke.
Spy (mechanism detection — every wonder has a HOW; look for the hidden variables) ×Crack (the explanatory click — understanding does not kill the wonder, it grows it)
You finally spot the hidden magnet under the table. Why is that the moment the wonder clicks — and grows?
Spy then says: “Explaining a wonder always ruins it — the mystery is gone once you know how it works.” — is that right?
The link: find the hidden how, and understanding clicks — and deepens.
Spot the mechanism, and the wonder grows.
Capstone — run one wonder investigation together
Three steps of inquiry. Bring in the cast member for each.
Notice the thing that breaks your expectation. Who?
Who do you bring in?
Say what you think MIGHT be going on. Who?
Who do you bring in?
Hunt down the hidden mechanism. Who?
Who do you bring in?
The synthesis: notice the surprise, guess the cause, and find the mechanism — the arc of real inquiry.
Surprise, guess, and uncover — how wonder becomes understanding.
