4 Important Strategies For Answering Open-ended Science Questions

Science is a fascinating subject, filled with discoveries and explanations for the world around us. However, when it comes to assessments, open-ended science questions can feel like a hurdle for many students. 

If your child struggles with open-ended science questions, they’re not alone! These questions require more than just memorising facts. Students need to showcase their understanding by applying scientific concepts and effectively communicating their knowledge.

Even students who grasp the concepts can stumble when faced with an unfamiliar question format. This can lead to panic and giving up, assuming they haven’t learned the topic. Often, the real challenge lies in identifying the relevant concepts to apply. 

Here are 4 essential strategies to help your child score better in open-ended questions. 

Strategy 1: Decoding the Open-Ended Question

The first step to conquering open-ended science questions is mastering the art of deciphering them. Read the question carefully and highlight any key details mentioned. This includes diagrams, graphs, or data tables provided. Don’t overlook seemingly minor details like the axes of graphs or headings in tables. These might be key terms or phrases that are vital for a well-rounded answer. 

Encourage your child to pinpoint the specific scientific concept(s) the question is testing. For example, if words like “exercise” and “panting” appear, the question likely relates to “breathing rate” and not “heart rate”. Guiding your child to identify the core concept helps them focus their responses on the most relevant information. This initial step ensures they don’t get sidetracked by extraneous details and can tailor their answers accurately. 

Strategy 2: Understanding What the Question Wants 

Knowing what a question asks for might seem obvious, but it’s a surprisingly common challenge for students. Sometimes, they misunderstand the question and write long, detailed answers that lack focus, include irrelevant information, or even reveal misconceptions. 

To avoid such pitfalls, encourage your child to circle the question tag in each part of the question to determine the type of question asked. For instance, when question tags include words like “State,” “Name,” and “Identify,” the question calls for a concise answer, usually a short sentence or a one-word answer, with no explanation required. Question tags like “Explain,” “Describe,” “Why,” and “Give a reason” these tags indicate a more elaborate answer. Your child should provide a detailed explanation that uses scientific vocabulary and concepts to support their answers. The number of marks allocated to the question can also be a clue to the expected length of the explanation. 

You can also encourage your child to take on the role of a teacher by marking their answers. Can they identify which parts of the answers address the specific requirements of the question tag? This self-assessment helps them develop critical thinking skills and tailor their responses to the question’s demands.  

Strategy 3: Using the Correct Science Terms

Using the correct scientific terminology is paramount for crafting a strong response to an open-ended science question. Once your child has identified the relevant scientific concept being tested, using the key terms associated with that concept is crucial. Encourage them to become “keyword champions” by incorporating these terms into their answers. However, simply including scientific terminology isn’t enough - the terms must be relevant to the question. 

Open-ended science questions often involve analysing data presented in graphs, tables, or diagrams. These clues are vital for a well-rounded answer. For instance, the question might ask students to explain an experiment or phenomenon based on the information presented in a graph. A stellar response will use the scientific terms associated with the experiment or observations while referencing the data points or trends highlighted in the graph. 

When a question involves comparing two experimental setups, your child needs to recognise this and use comparative language like “more,” “higher,” “greatest,” “least,” or “shorter” to highlight the differences observed. 

Strategy 4: Perfecting the Response

The final step in conquering open-ended science questions is self-assessment. While it might seem simple, many students overlook its importance. Checking an answer goes beyond simply flipping through pages to ensure everything is filled in. Effective checking involves re-reading and re-analysing the question itself. Encourage your child to ask themselves critical questions like: 

• Is my answer specific to the scenario? Generic answers that don’t address the details of the question will miss the mark. 
• Did I use scientific terms? The correct scientific vocabulary demonstrates a deeper understanding of the concepts involved. 
• Did I include comparisons (if applicable)? Questions that involve comparing two or more setups require using comparative language like “more,” “higher,” “greatest,” etc. 
• Did I apply the right concept? Ensure the answer focuses on the scientific concept being tested in the question. 
• Did I connect my answer back to the question? The answer should clearly explain how the scientific concept relates to the specific scenario presented in the question. 
• If I were the teacher marking my paper, which part of my answer would I award the marks? This empowers them to identify areas for improvement and revise their answers accordingly. 

Self-assessment is a valuable skill that extends far beyond science. By encouraging your child to become a master of self-evaluation, you’re equipping them with a powerful tool that will benefit them throughout their academic journey. 

By guiding your child through these key strategies and encouraging them to practice consistently, you’ll empower them to approach open-ended science questions confidently. As your child gains confidence, open-ended science questions will no longer be a source of anxiety but rather an opportunity to showcase their scientific knowledge and understanding. 

At The Eton Academy by EtonHouse, our engaging science tuition programmes are designed to ignite a passion for scientific discovery. We empower your child to become a curious thinker and problem-solver through engaging hands-on experiments and interactive lessons. Our lessons ensure your child develops a deep understanding of fundamental science concepts and pave the way for exam success. 

Ready to unlock your child’s scientific potential? Contact us to learn more about our programmes and sign up for a trial class!