As a science communicator and educator, I’m always looking for ways to make scientific concepts more accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. One fun way to do this is by using Science-themed “This or That” icebreaker questions. By asking questions related to various scientific fields, discoveries, and phenomena, you can spark curiosity, creativity, and conversation among your guests.
How to incorporate Science themed This or That questions
To incorporate Science-themed “This or That” questions into your event, follow these steps:
- Prepare a list of questions beforehand that are related to various scientific fields, discoveries, and phenomena. You can find inspiration from popular science books, magazines, websites, or podcasts. Make sure the questions are diverse, inclusive, and respectful of different perspectives and beliefs.
- Print out the questions on cards or display them on a screen or a poster board. Encourage your guests to form small groups of 3-5 people and take turns asking each other the questions. You can also create a rotation system where each group moves on to the next question after a set amount of time (e.g., 2-3 minutes).
- Make sure everyone has a chance to answer each question and listen actively to their responses. Encourage follow-up questions, comments, and discussions that build on the initial answers. You can also share your own insights and opinions about science to keep the conversation flowing.
- After everyone has had a chance to answer all the questions, gather your guests in a larger group and ask them to share their favorite or most surprising answers. You can also use this opportunity to highlight any commonalities or connections that emerged during the activity.
- Consider using some of the insights or stories that came up during the “This or That” icebreaker as a springboard for further conversations and activities throughout the day. For example, you could organize a scavenger hunt based on scientific concepts or create a DIY science project station where guests can experiment with different materials and tools.
Ideas on different themes of questions
To keep your Science-themed icebreaker questions fresh and engaging, you can explore different themes and categories that are relevant to the field. Here are some ideas:
- Space: Ask questions related to the solar system, astronomy, and space exploration (e.g., “What is your favorite planet in our solar system?” or “Do you believe there is life on other planets?”).
- Biology: Ask questions about the human body, genetics, evolution, and ecology (e.g., “Which sense do you value the most?” or “Do you think humans will ever be able to communicate with animals?”).
- Chemistry: Ask questions about elements, molecules, reactions, and substances (e.g., “What is your favorite chemical element?” or “Do you prefer sweet or salty foods?”).
- Physics: Ask questions about forces, motion, energy, and matter (e.g., “Which force of nature do you find the most fascinating?” or “Do you think humans will ever be able to travel faster than light?”).
- Technology: Ask questions about innovation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation (e.g., “What is your favorite technology invention of all time?” or “Do you think robots will take over the world one day?”).
By incorporating these different themes of questions into your Science-themed icebreaker activity, you can keep your guests engaged and entertained while also fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for scientific knowledge. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your next event!
My favorite Science themed This or That questions
- Chemistry or physics?
- Biology or geology?
- Astronomy or astrology?
- Genetics or evolution?
- Math or statistics?
- Botany or zoology?
- Artificial intelligence or robotics?
- Nuclear energy or wind energy?
- Big Bang theory or steady state theory?
- Newton’s laws or Einstein’s theory of relativity?
- Black holes or wormholes?
- Mars or Venus?
- Nature or nurture?
- Photosynthesis or cellular respiration?
- Electricity or magnetism?
- Cosmology or quantum mechanics?
- Atoms or molecules?
- Cloning or genetic engineering?
- Anatomy or physiology?
- Ecology or environmental science?
- Forensic science or criminology?
- Biodegradable or non-biodegradable?
- Solar system or galaxy?
- DNA or RNA?
- The brain or the heart?
- Periodic table or chemical reactions?
- Darwinism or Lamarckism?
- Medical science or alternative medicine?
- Antibiotics or vaccines?
- Living organism or non-living matter?
- Acid or base?
- Gravity or electromagnetism?
- Paleontology or archaeology?
- Anthropology or sociology?
- Microbiology or immunology?
- Light or sound?
- Matter or energy?
- Plate tectonics or continental drift?
- Oxygen or carbon dioxide?
- Stem cells or gene therapy?
- Telescope or microscope?
- The sun or the moon?
- Robot or cyborg?
- Agriculture or horticulture?
- Neuroscience or psychology?
- Chemical compounds or elements?
- Qualitative or quantitative research?
- Remote sensing or geographic information systems?
- Solid, liquid or gas?
- Science fiction or science fact?
About the author
Jon Zajac
Founder & Chief Icebreaker
I started Icebreaker Spot because I truly believe that strong connections are the foundation of successful teams. I wanted to create a platform that would make it easy for people to find and share icebreakers and team building activities, empowering them to build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately, achieve greatness together.