Brainstorming is the best method a teacher can choose to know the ideas and opinions of the students when beginning a new science project. Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique that involves a group of individuals generating a large number of ideas in a short amount of time. It encourages free thinking, collaboration, and active participation from all students. Here's why brainstorming is the most effective method:

1. Encourages creativity and critical thinking:
- Brainstorming allows students to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.
- It promotes divergent thinking, where multiple solutions and perspectives are explored.
- Students are encouraged to question, analyze, and evaluate different concepts, leading to a deeper understanding of the topic.

2. Fosters collaboration and teamwork:
- Brainstorming involves active participation from all students, creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
- Students can build on each other's ideas, enhancing teamwork and cooperation.
- It encourages students to listen to and respect the opinions of others, promoting effective communication skills.

3. Provides a safe space for expression:
- Brainstorming creates a non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
- Students are more likely to share their ideas openly, leading to a wider range of perspectives and solutions.
- It helps shy or introverted students to gain confidence and actively participate in class discussions.

4. Increases student engagement and ownership:
- Brainstorming actively involves students in the learning process, making it more engaging and interactive.
- Students feel a sense of ownership over their ideas and are more motivated to take ownership of their learning.
- It empowers students to take initiative, be creative, and explore their interests within the given project.

In conclusion, brainstorming is the best method for a teacher to gather ideas and opinions from students when beginning a new science project. It promotes creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and student engagement. By providing a safe space for expression, brainstorming allows students to actively participate in the learning process and take ownership of their ideas.