Conduct a science interview
Plan and conduct a short science interview: create questions, record responses, practice listening, and summarize findings to share with classmates or family.
Step-by-step guide to conduct a short science interview
Demo Lesson Tips and Ideas for Teacher Interviews
Step 1
Choose one science topic you are curious about and write the topic at the top of your notebook.
Step 2
Think of at least five short clear questions about that topic and write each question on its own index card.
Step 3
Number the index cards in the order you want to ask the questions.
Step 4
Practice asking your questions out loud one time so you can hear how they sound.
Step 5
Role-play the interview with a family member or friend and write their answers in your notebook.
Step 6
Ask a real interviewee for permission to talk with them while an adult is there.
Step 7
Find a quiet place to sit and greet the interviewee by saying your name the topic and why you are asking.
Step 8
Ask each prepared question one at a time and write a short note for each response.
Step 9
If an answer surprises you ask one follow-up question and write that extra response.
Step 10
Read your notes and highlight or underline the most important ideas you heard.
Step 11
Write a two or three sentence summary of what you learned and decorate a title page using your coloring materials.
Step 12
Share your finished interview summary and what you learned on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have index cards or a notebook?
Use sticky notes or cut-up printer paper in place of index cards and number them as instructed while writing your topic at the top of a single sheet as the notebook.
What should I do if I get nervous or the interviewee talks too much?
Practice your questions out loud and role-play with a family member, bring your numbered cards to follow the order, and pick a quiet place so you can write a short note for each response as the instructions say.
How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids use three simple picture questions on cards and have an adult help write answers and decorate the title page, while older kids can use five or more written questions, add follow-ups, and record the interview with permission before writing a longer summary.
How can we extend or personalize the interview project?
With permission, record audio or video of the interview to attach to your notebook, add photos and a decorated title page using your coloring materials, and then share the two- to three-sentence summary and media on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to conduct a short science interview
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Sample 10-Minute Teacher Demo Lesson for a K-12 School Interview | Selected
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Facts about scientific inquiry for kids
👂 Active listening — nodding, repeating back, and asking follow-ups — makes people feel heard and often leads to better answers.
📱 Audio recording helps you focus on listening — many researchers use recordings so they can review exact words later (always ask permission first!).
🎙️ Open-ended questions (who/what/when/where/why/how) usually get longer, more interesting answers than yes/no questions.
🧪 Scientists keep careful notes and logs; interviews are a real scientific tool for collecting observations and ideas from people.
📝 Short summaries and headlines help classmates remember the main idea of an interview better than long transcripts.
How do we plan and conduct a short science interview with a child?
What materials do I need for a child’s science interview activity?
What ages is a science interview suitable for?
What are the benefits of doing a science interview with children?
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