Curated OER
Logic and Proof Writing
Students define inductive and deductive reasoning and write two column proofs. In this geometry lesson, students analyze arguments and draw conclusion. They define steps necessary to arrive at the correct answer when completing proofs.
Curated OER
Science as a Source of Social Controversy
Students research the two opposing views and biographical information about Ptolemy and Copernicus in order to be familiar with the societal viewpoints that influenced the thinking of these two scientists. Students role-play supporters...
Curated OER
Ad Awareness
Young scholars review advertisements. In this advertising lesson, students define advertising and determine the main reason ads are created. Young scholars define what it means to be a consumer and advertiser. Students are divided into...
Curated OER
...If Your Name Was Changed At Ellis Island
Fourth graders investigate the concept of and reasons for immigration. They report on an immigrant group that moved to Illinois since 1700.
Curated OER
Migration
Students study reasons for and examples of bird migration as a behavioral adaptation. They investigate the Bernoulli's Principles.
Curated OER
Similarity
In this similarity worksheet, 9th graders solve and complete 6 different types of problems. First, they complete the statement in the box shown. Then, students determine whether they agree or disagree with the statement and given...
Curated OER
Some People Just Don't Get It
In this daily mind builders worksheet, students use inferential reasoning and deduction. Students read a short passage and respond to 6 short answer questions stating their own opinion and providing evidence to support their...
Curated OER
Life-Cycle Sleuth
Students analyze an animal's life cycle and behaviors, and examine what animals need to stay alive and reproduce. They develop theories and hypotheses about the reasons for migrations, using the Journey North online project.
Curated OER
Echo, Echo, Echo, Each can help others
Students discuss and research arguments about philanthropy. In this persuasive speech writing lesson, students choose a needed project for the community and present the reasons for the project through an original persuasive speech....
Curated OER
A Simulated Journey
Fifth graders experience simulations in order to meet the required Social Studies standards. For this simulation lesson, 5th graders experience a teacher set-up simulation of students being put in the Responsible Thinking Classroom for...
Curated OER
Where Growth Meets Growth
Young scholars discuss fire risk factors for a property located near a wildland area. In this science instructional activity, students identify, number, and provide reasons for areas of increased risk on a worksheet they think should be...
Curated OER
The Lorax
Third graders identify environmental problems. In this natural resources lesson students participate in several activities that support critical thinking about the environment and natural resources. The students write, list, and verbally...
Curated OER
Faces Behind the Guns
Students use the New York Times article profiling ordinary citizens who legally own guns as the basis of a role-playing exercise in which they explore the types of people who own firearms and their personal reasons for doing so.
Curated OER
Negative vs. Positive Thoughts
Seventh graders see themselves and how they think they are seen, which can be sometimes quite different. Self-esteem portrait allows the student to say how they think others see them, how they see themselves, and how others do indeed see...
Curated OER
Endangered Species
Students define extinction, name four animals and two plant species that are extinct, list three reasons why animals and plants become extinct, and create ways that would help prevent extinction.
Curated OER
Well, Well, Well
Young scholars consider a case of potential water contamination by using a process of reasoned discourse about the definition of the problem, the relevant information, and the values behind different solutions. They consider the role of...
Curated OER
Why We Need Sleep
Fifth graders track how much sleep they get and list reasons sleep is important. In this health and math lesson, 5th graders keep up with their sleep times for a week and make notes about how they feel each day prior to the lesson. The...
Curated OER
The U. S. at War
High schoolers examine reasons for going to war. In this foreign policy lesson, students analyze the reasons the U.S. entered the the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the...
Curated OER
Four Color Map
Students explore geometry by completing a color puzzle. For this shape identification lesson, students utilize deductive reasoning to complete a Google SketchUp puzzle with trapezoid, triangles and rectangular shapes. Students...
Curated OER
Preschoolers and Science Skills
You can encourage critical thinking and problem solving by allowing young children to participate in hands-on science activities.
Curated OER
Art to Zoo
Students learn about the process of inventing and discover that inventions are the end result of problem solving process which often stem from imagination or wishful thinking. In this activity, students read, write and discuss inventions...
Curated OER
Identifying Bias
In this identifying bias learning exercise, students read about bias and how to identify it in their reading. They are given a list of sources of bias and they read 2 paragraphs and determine the kind of bias and their reasoning for...
Curated OER
4 Corners Pre-reading Strategy for A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
High schoolers consider different statements based on the themes from Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, and decide what they think of the statement. They share their ideas as a class and discuss all sides to a idea.
Curated OER
The United States in a "School Daze"
Students identify key issues existing in the American education system, work in committees to speculate on reasons and propose possible solutions for one of these issues, and design campaign posters illustrating the potential outcomes of...