End of Course Test: Cultivating Wonder Throughout School

Mays believes that all subjects—not just science and literature—can be taught with wonder.

According to Mays, textbooks alone are enough to inspire a deep love of learning in students.

Mays encourages teachers to spend time in nature, art museums, and choral concerts as part of their own formation.

Which of the following is NOT one of Mays’ ten wonder strategies?

What kind of school culture does Mays especially encourage developing in the arts?

What virtue does Beowulf exemplify according to Mays and Tolkien’s essay?

What did Mays highlight about octopuses in The Soul of an Octopus?

According to Mays, what personal decision helped launch his journey into lifelong learning?

What does Mays describe as an ideal final moment of a literature unit?

According to John Mays, what is the primary aim of cultivating wonder in the classroom?

What does Mays identify as a modern threat to cultivating wonder, especially among children?

What phrase did Mays use to describe the kind of soul that sees wonder everywhere?

What question does Mays say is crucial to ask in upper-level math and science education?

According to Mays, which mathematical concept appears in stars and pinecones and reveals deeper design?

In the model lesson on Moby-Dick, what activity does Mays recommend for Day One?

In a 250-350 word essay, discuss one of the following prompts:

1. Reflect on how cultivating a “wondered mind” in your own life can transform your classroom culture and teaching practices. In your response, consider how personal formation through reading, time in nature, engagement with the arts, or spiritual disciplines might help you lead students toward greater attentiveness, joy, and reverence.

2. Describe how you plan to intentionally design your classroom environment, lessons, or rhythms to foster a sense of wonder in your students. Include specific examples such as visual displays, integrated lessons, moments of beauty or mystery, or habits of contemplation that will help re-enchant the learning experience across the year.