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Defamiliarize the Familiar: A Professional Learning Resource

Defamiliarize the Familiar: A Professional Learning Resource

This professional earning resource introduces the wonder learning strategy of Defamiliarizing the Familiar to inspire wonder around familiar things. Learn how to observe familiar things in new ways by using tools to notice differently, making space to observe, and allowing surprise to inspire questions.

Grades

4 - 12

Subjects

Biology, Storytelling, Experiential Learning, Photography



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Proudly supported by
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund
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Click on the icons above the Learning Materials section to access this professional learning resource PDF, video and other resources linked to the PDF.

The goal of this professional learning resource is to provide educators with tips, ideas and resources to set up a learning environment where learners can develop a sense of and develop the Explorer Mindset attitudes and skills using the Wonder Learning Strategy of Defamiliarize the Familiar to inspire wonder around things. Observe how Anand and his team display the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the Explorer Mindset to observe cuttlefish behavior in new ways.

This article is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1: Engage and Explore

Learn how to ignite a true sense of wonder in your students, as they ask questions and seek answers about familiar things in the world they live in by observing them in new ways. Watch the video, I Wonder: Defamiliarize the Familiar, and pay attention to how Anand and his team display the attitudes, skills and knowledge of the Explorer Mindset to observe cuttlefish behavior in new ways.

  • Part 2: Learn by Doing

Learn how to create the conditions for your learners to things and encourage wonder.

  • Part 3: Reflect and Apply

Use a self-assessment check to reflect on what you are already doing to support your learners, defamiliarize the familiar and identify an area you want to improve.

To access the activities referenced in this Professional Learning Resource, click on the Related Resources below.

Return to the WonderLab Learning Resources landing page here.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Editor
Elizabeth Wolzak, Director, Learning Innovation, Edu Lab, National Geographic
Writer
Heather J. Johnson, Vanderbilt University
Reviewer
Sheron Fraser-Burgess, Education Consultant, Global Inclusive Learning Design Reviewer
Copyeditor
Bayan Atari, National Geographic Society
Producer
Bayan Atari, National Geographic Society
Graphic Design
Patrick Cavanagh, National Geographic Society
Rights Clearance
Jean Cantu, National Geographic Society
Last Updated

June 26, 2025

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