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Teaching Critical Thinking through
STEAM
Christina Liu Think Tank Teacher
Lake Mary Preparatory School
The 7 Survival Skills Source: “Creating Innovators” by Tony Wagner
1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 2. Collaboration Across Networks &
Leading by Influence 3. Agility and Adaptability 4. Initiative and Entrepreneurship 5. Accessing and Analyzing Information 6. Effective Oral and Written
Communication 7. Curiosity and Imagination
The 4 Cs of Education
• Critical Thinking • Communication • Collaboration • Creative Problem Solving
Wisdom from Sir Ken Robinson
“You can't just give someone a creativity injection. You have to create an environment for curiosity and a way to encourage people and get the best out of them.”
“Curiosity is the engine of achievement.”
How do we define Critical Thinking?
• Understand the logical connections between ideas • Identify, construct and evaluate arguments • Detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in
reasoning • Solve problems systematically • Identify the relevance and importance of ideas • Reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and
values
Source: http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php
Critical Thinking -- Definition
Critical thinking is that mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking … It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.
http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-concept-of-critical-thinking/411
STEAM and Project Based Learning
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-and-steam-natural-fit-andrew-miller
“High-level STEAM education is project-based learning.”
“Skills like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving are part of any STEAM PBL, and will be needed for students to be effective.”
Project-Based Learning and Critical Thinking
http://www.p21.org/news-events/p21blog/1097-teaching-critical-thinking-skills-through-project-based-learning
“PBL is a powerful pedagogy that helps students to learn how to be critical thinkers – to make thoughtful decisions and exercise
reasoned judgments.”
Project-Based Learning and Critical Thinking
http://www.p21.org/news-events/p21blog/1097-teaching-critical-thinking-skills-through-project-based-learning
In Project Based Learning, in order for students to learn something, they must do something. Projects that develop critical thinking competencies are designed around cognitive tasks that require deliberative thought – Ø making judgments between alternatives, Ø figuring out the best way to create something, Ø weighing evidence, reconsidering initial ideas, Ø creating a plan for solving a problem, and Ø summarizing an argument’s key points.
Critical Thinking: Teaching Methods & Strategies
https://www.wwu.edu/teachinghandbook/student_engagement/HANDOUT_-_Critical_Thinking_-_Teaching_Methods_and_Strategies.doc
“IDEALS” … Six Steps to Effective Thinking and Problem Solving
I – Identify the Problem D – Define the Context E – Enumerate the Choices A – Analyze the Options L – List Reasons Explicitly S – Self-Correct
Engineering Design Cycle
Parallel Processes
Critical Thinking Engineering Design I – Identify the Problem D – Define the Context E – Enumerate the Choices A – Analyze the Options L – List Reasons Explicitly S – Self-Correct
1. Find a Problem 2. A. Plan
1. Brainstorm & Choose Solution 2. Define Criteria/Specifications 3. Make Measurements 4. Choose Materials 5. Make Drawings/Blueprints
B. Build (Prototype) 3. A. Test B. Improve 4. Redesign 5. Communicate Results
Parallel Processes
Think Tank is:
ü A Critical Thinking class ü A safe place to explore, experiment,
and try new things ü Spontaneous, yet focused ü STEAM-infused
Odyssey of the Mind During the 1970’s at Rowan University in New Jersey, Dr. Sam Micklus challenged his Industrial Design students to use their creativity to solve unique problems like building a vehicle without wheels, designing and testing a mechanical pie thrower, and making a flotation device that transported them safely across a lake. He created a course entitled Creative Problem Solving long before it was accepted as a valuable aspect of education.
Inspiration Opportunities
• Odyssey of the Mind • Science Textbooks – (Especially
Engineering, Mechanics, Electricity Units) • Contained Classroom Activities • Cross-Curricular Collaboration; spinoffs
and integration with core subject lessons
Think Tank’s Goal:
ü Develops problem solving skills ü Encourages teamwork and
collaboration ü Promotes creativity and innovation ü Embraces different learning styles
Examples: Kindergarten
• Keva Block Towers • Keva Block Mazes • Paper Towers • Lego Bear Chair • Paper Chair
Examples: Kindergarten
1st Grade: Back Scratcher
Examples: 2nd Grade • Bear Chair/Paper Chair • Tennis Ball/Straw Tower Challenge
Examples: 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades
• Treehouse • Paper Bridge
• Paper Chair • Balloon Car
More Examples: 5th Grade
• Balloon Car • Paper Chair • Bear Chair Project
5th Graders make a Balloon Car
Balloon Car Video
Incorporating into Curriculum
• K: 3 Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears • 2nd Grade: Building Longhouses • 5th Grade: Novel Engineering
Kindergarten—�Goldilocks and the Three Bears
http://www.novelengineering.org/
An integrated approach to teaching Engineering and Literacy
5th Grade – Tuck Everlasting
Arts Integration
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/10/04/arts-integration-is-a-suckers-game.html
“Arts Integration Is a Sucker's Game”
Visible Thinking • What Makes You Say That? Interpretation with
justification routine • Think Puzzle Explore A routine that sets the stage for
deeper inquiry • Think Pair Share A routine for active reasoning and
explanation • Circle of Viewpoints A routine for exploring diverse
perspectives • I used to Think... Now I think... A routine for reflecting on
how and why our thinking has changed • See Think Wonder A routine for exploring works of art and
other interesting things • Compass Points A routine for examining propositions
Critical Thinking Resources
• Foundation for Critical Thinking • The Critical Thinking Consortium • Visible Thinking Routines • Arts Integration • Project Based Learning • MakerSpace Resources • Favorite Blog – Engage Their Minds
