Ms. Lexie Kahn and Mr. Paul E. Seemy are two science teachers who work together. As science teachers, they encourage their students to be curious and ask a lot of questions. Some of their students like to ask questions about national controversies. Others ask questions about experiences that have made them wonder about something.

Ms. Kahn and Mr. Seemy often have different perspectives, as well, and they like to debate each other. They try not to let personal biases get in the way of exchanging ideas, so they use evidence to justify their opinions.

Both teachers believe that debating develops intelligence, just as physical exercise develops muscles. They think that you become smarter by working through challenging problems. Some of their students agree with this, but others do not. The doubtful students seem to believe that people have a fixed amount of intelligence that stays the same no matter what.

Mr. Seemy’s student, Joon, found this topic very interesting, so he decided to survey the students at his school.

What do the data from Joon’s survey tell you?

Do you think that Joon’s survey provides enough information to determine a student’s mindset? Why or why not?

How would you answer Joon’s survey? Why?

Discussion Question:

Stanford University professor Dr. Carol Dweck reports from her research that people with a “growth mindset” live less stressful and more successful lives. Discuss this idea with your class.