Curiosity is Really What We Need

“What we need to fix the problem is to make it part of the school curriculum.”

This is a common war cry when there are issues needing to be fixed that are out of control.

All our community problems can be fixed by educating students. If they know, then the problem will go away. If that was the truth, then speeding fine income would be non-existent. Just because we know what to do, does not mean we will do it.

Cut down on takeaway foods and there will be a decrease in diabetes. People even admit it is unhealthy, but they still go enter the drive-through on the way home.

I know I should exercise more, but it doesn’t mean I will.

The societal problems are many and referring the solutions to the education system is not the answer.

But I do know what is helpful.

A strategy that can cover all of societies issues. An attitude that will strengthen one’s resolve to be free from misinformation.

CURIOSITY

If we were more curious as to what information is placed in front of us and more curious about the effects on our lives if we accept the information as true, then the problems will dissipate like sunshine to storm clouds.

I remember as a young boy, at the start of each month I would be so excited as I walked to the local newsagents to collect the next instalment of “How it Works”. It was an encyclopedia of mechanical and engineering technology full of colour schematic drawings and explanations. It was curiosity saturation with solutions.

Channel Seven broadcasted “The Curiosity Show” (1972) the first STEM focused children’s program full of engaging “build at home” experiments explaining the unknown.

I am not advocating the return to the paperback encyclopedia or stimulating science shows. More so, the need to encourage and praise when we encounter CURIOSITY.

Understanding the why behind the what will release us from the “why me”?

If we have more CURIOUSITY in the world, then we can make more informed decisions about avoiding the current societal problems. Then schools can just focus on planning, teaching and assessing the foundations that support CURIOSITY.

How are you nurturing CURIOSITY?