We are experiencing unprecedented personal, social, environmental and economic challenges. Barely a day goes by without a change to something we once took for granted as part of our daily lives. But changes can also create opportunities and, fortunately for those of us in education, young minds are always looking for new ideas and new ways to think. And, importantly, many of them are relying on their teachers to help them to find accurate information. So, as education always matters, the prelude to this theme on Science, engineering and big questions looks at some ways to develop students’ insight and understanding during these challenging times.