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Could there be another explanation?

For any result, ask: is there another explanation? — the first explanation that fits isn't always the right one, and good scientists actively look for alternatives

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • prompts to consider alternative possible worlds research (6-7 year olds)
  • scientific thinking promotes critical thinking (MDPI 2025)

The lesson

When something happens, you might think of a reason right away. That reason could be right. But it might not be the only one. Good thinkers pause and ask, could there be another explanation?

Try it together

Sam's sandwich is missing from the fridge. He thinks, my sister ate it. But wait: could the dog have grabbed it? Could Dad have packed it for lunch? Sam thinks of two more explanations before he decides who really took it.

Notice something happenThink of one reasonThink of another reasonCheck which is true
Step 3 is the one people often skip: thinking of another reason before deciding.
Good to know

A simple trick: ask yourself, what else could explain this? If you can think of even one more idea, you are thinking like a real scientist.

One explanation is a good start, but looking for a second one helps you find the truth.

Watch it

Where it sits

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

Could there be another explanation? · Science, ages 7 to 9 · LightMySky