Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Science” ESL Discussion Questions

1. Is it possible for humans to live on Mars someday soon? Why or why not?
2. How can you tell the difference between facts and opinions when reading about science in the news or online articles?
3. What are the different types of energy?
4. What is the difference between science and technology?
5. What is a variable and why is it important in experiments?
6. What is a scientist?
7. Which countries have the best scientists?
8. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
9. What are some examples of physical change?
10. What makes something magnetic?
11. Why do some people believe in creationism and others believe in evolution?
12. What is the difference between organic and inorganic matter?
13. Why do you need to wear a jacket when it’s cold outside?
14. What is an experiment?
15. How do we know that something is true in science?
16. How are clouds made?
17. What is the difference between matter and energy?
18. What is a volcano?
19. What does it mean to test a hypothesis?
20. How do you know where north is?
21. What is a hypothesis?
22. Do scientists always agree with each other on things like climate change, evolution, and vaccines? Why or why not?
23. Why do we have seasons?
24. What is a chemical bond?
25. How are animals used in research?
26. How are animals and plants related?
27. What makes wind blow?
28. What are some ways that a person can be biased when conducting an experiment?
29. How can you tell if a study is reliable and valid?
30. How do you test a hypothesis?
31. How do scientists use evidence to prove or disprove their hypotheses?
32. Why do some people not trust scientists?
33. What is the difference between a gas and a liquid?
34. Why do we need science?
35. Why is it important to use controls in experiments?
36. What is the difference between an experiment and observation?
37. How do atoms bond together to form molecules?
38. How do scientists use observations to prove or disprove their hypotheses?
39. What is a scientific theory?
40. How are scientists different from engineers?
41. What are some ethical issues involved in animal research?
42. What do scientists do in their jobs?

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