Why Kids Need to Ask 'What If?' More Often

The Power of Open-Ended Questions in Writing, Science, and the Classroom of Tomorrow

Children are natural question-askers. From the moment they can talk, they’re asking why the sky is blue, how fish breathe underwater, and what happens if you touch the moon. These questions aren’t just charming—they’re essential. They reflect the way children make sense of the world: by wondering, imagining, and experimenting.

Among all the questions kids ask, one stands out as a spark for creativity and critical thinking alike: “What if?” It’s a phrase that opens the door to possibility, invites risk-free exploration, and fuels both storytelling and scientific discovery. Sometimes, if you pay attention, you’ll notice that kids don’t always ask ‘What if?’ out loud. Instead, they do things that show they’re trying to figure out what happens if they change a few things.

In a world that’s constantly shifting—where innovation, empathy, and adaptability matter more than memorizing facts—the simple question “What if?” may be one of the most important tools a student can have.

At PopSmart Academy, we champion this mindset across all our programs, from creative writing and public speaking to hands-on science exploration. This article dives into why encouraging students to ask open-ended questions like “What if?” fuels deeper learning, ignites imagination, and builds essential 21st-century thinking skills.

The Brain Behind the Question: Why ‘What If?’ Matters

At its core, “What if?” is a question of possibility. Unlike yes-or-no questions or fact-based recall, it doesn’t seek a right answer. Instead, it invites speculation, hypothesis, and creativity. That’s what makes it so powerful in both writing and science.

According to educational psychologist Dr. Marcia Tate, when students ask questions and pursue answers on their own, they activate higher-order thinking skills: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. “What if?” questions are inherently open-ended, encouraging students to make connections between ideas, challenge assumptions, and consider new perspectives. In other words, they’re thinking like writers. And scientists. And problem-solvers.

In Writing: ‘What If’ Sparks the Story

Every great story starts with a spark. For young writers, that spark is often a “what if”:

• What if a kid could freeze time?
  
  
• What if animals were secretly running the world?
  
  
• What if I could tell my past self one thing?

By asking these questions, students break out of the blank page paralysis and enter a world where imagination takes the lead. They stop worrying about “getting it right” and instead focus on building, inventing, and creating.

At PopSmart Academy, we often use “what if” prompts to help students develop their stories. We’ve seen reluctant writers suddenly come alive when given permission to explore the absurd, the emotional, or the impossible. These questions give students ownership over their narratives, helping them construct plot twists, develop characters, and build entire worlds.

More importantly, “what if” teaches students that ideas are not fixed—they’re fluid, evolving, and open to change. That mindset becomes the foundation for creative thinking, both on and off the page.

In Science: ‘What If’ Builds the Experiment

The scientific method begins with a question—and “what if?” is often the starting point.

• What if plants could grow without sunlight?
  
  
• What if adding salt to ice makes it melt faster?
  
  
• What if two magnets repel instead of attract?

When students begin with curiosity, they naturally transition into hypothesis-building, experimentation, and analysis. Science becomes a process of discovery, not just a list of facts.

In our science programs at PopSmart Academy, we design experiments that are driven by student questions. During our ‘extracting DNA experiments’, students don’t just follow instructions—they ask:

• What if we used sugar instead of salt in the mixture?
  
  
• What if we used mangoes instead of strawberries would the DNA look different?
  
  
• What if we did not use soap and completed the rest of the experiment?

The results aren’t always neat. Sometimes we don’t see DNA. Sometimes hypotheses are wrong. But that’s where real learning happens. By asking “what if,” students learn to take intellectual risks, adjust their thinking, and build resilience—just like real scientists.

Why We Should Prioritize Open-Ended Questions

In many traditional classrooms, students are rewarded for giving the “right answer.” But in the real world, problems rarely come with answer keys. From climate change to social innovation to emerging technologies, the future will belong to those who can ask better questions—not just recite better answers.

Encouraging students to ask open-ended questions:

• Builds curiosity and engagement
  
  
• Fosters critical thinking
  
  
• Encourages exploration over perfection
  
  
• Promotes growth mindset and resilience

Moreover, asking “what if?” helps develop interdisciplinary thinking. A student may start by wondering about something in science, but that question could lead them to write a story, design a prototype, or deliver a persuasive speech. This kind of learning is fluid, personal, and lasting.

How to Cultivate a ‘What If’ Culture

You don’t need a science lab or a writing camp to encourage this mindset. Try these simple strategies at home or in the classroom:

1. Model the Question Yourself
   Let your own curiosity show. Say things like:
   
   
   • “What if we took a different route today?”
     
     
   • “What if books could talk—what would they say?”
     
     
2. Use Open-Ended Prompts
   Instead of asking, “What did you learn today?”, try:
   
   
   • “What surprised you today?”
     
     
   • “What’s something you’re wondering about?”
     
     
3. Create Low-Stakes Opportunities for Exploration
   Encourage writing stories, tinkering with household items, building with blocks, or making up games—anything that allows kids to ask and answer their own questions.
   
   
4. Celebrate Questions, Not Just Answers
   When a student asks an unexpected or even wild question, praise the thinking behind it. Curiosity is a muscle. The more it’s exercised, the stronger it becomes.

Wonder Is Where It All Begins

At PopSmart Academy, we believe every child is born curious. They’re natural scientists, writers, inventors, and philosophers. Our job isn’t to fill them with answers—it’s to give them the confidence and freedom to keep asking questions.

And if there’s one question we hope they never stop asking, it’s this:

“What if?”

Because tucked inside that little phrase is everything we want for our students—imagination, courage, exploration, and the joy of lifelong learning.

So the next time your child asks something wild, or your student veers off-script with an idea, pause before redirecting them. Lean in. Smile. And say,

“Let’s find out.”

Ready to unleash your child's inner innovator? Explore our programs and discover how PopSmartKids can help your child reach their full potential. Your child can achieve great things with the right support and guidance. Book a FREE trial class here.