Scientists are also trying to figure out how long the effects of curiosity last — if a kid’s curiosity is piqued at the beginning of the school day, will she be good at absorbing knowledge all day long? Or will she lose interest?
What Ranganath wants to know most is why some people seem naturally more curious than others. Lots of factors, including stress, aging and certain drugs can affect dopamine processing in the brain, he says. Genetic factors may also influence how inquisitive we are.
“If we could figure these things out, it would have a huge impact. We could help those who may just seem bored.” Ranganath says.
Blackwell, the science teacher in California, says she doesn’t have to deal with that problem too often.
She says her students love exploring the mysterious unknowns in science: What happens when a car crashes? Why does one car get more beat up than the other? Why do some people look more like their aunt than their mom? How do rainbows work?
“I tell my kids there’s no dumb questions,” Blackwell says. “That’s science: Asking questions and seeking answers.”