Free 11th Grade Critical Thinking Activities

Critical thinking activity for small/whole that motivates students to take charge of their learning process. Encourages students to discuss their classroom learning successes as well as disasters. Activity will have students discussing learning processes and study skills. Student scenarios given and guided questions with handout chart included.

Unearth the Secrets of Crime: A Captivating Look at Forensic Geology

Bring science to life with this engaging exploration of forensic geology!

This comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet delves into the fascinating world of forensic geology, where the Earth itself becomes a silent witness to crimes.

Students will:

• Discover how forensic geologists analyze soil, rocks, and minerals to link suspects to crime scenes and reconstruct past events.
• Explore the Andrea Gail tragedy and witness the power of forensic geology in solving real-world mysteries.
• Examine the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of this unique scientific discipline.
• Sharpen critical thinking skills through engaging activities, including multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions with a detailed answer key.

Why choose this resource?

• Unique and captivating topic: Spark student interest with the intriguing and relevant field of forensic geology.
• In-depth exploration: Provides a comprehensive understanding of forensic geology's applications, limitations, and ethical considerations.
• Real-world case study: Exemplifies the practical application of forensic geology through the Andrea Gail tragedy.
• Critical thinking prompts: Encourages students to analyze the complexities and impact of this fascinating field.
• Assessment tools: Reinforces learning with diverse assessment activities aligned with Common Core Standards.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will define forensic geology and explain its role in criminal investigations and the legal system.
• Students will identify the different techniques employed by forensic geologists, such as analyzing soil samples and tracing geological evidence.
• Students will evaluate the limitations and potential biases associated with interpreting geological evidence.
• Students will analyze the ethical considerations surrounding the use of forensic geology and its impact on investigations.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says or does.
• RI.5.2: Determine the central ideas or author's purpose in a text.
• RI.5.3: Explain the relationship between a series of historical events described in a text.
• RI.5.7: Draw on information from multiple texts to support a claim or make an inference.
• WHST.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• WHST.5.4: Produce clear and focused writing on a topic or issue.
• WHST.5.8: Recall relevant information from experiences or texts to explain or support a point.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Related Products

Forensic Mysteries

• Unleash the CSI in your students! Explore 10 real-life forensic mysteries with this captivating reading comprehension bundle!

Serial Killer Reading Bundle

• Unravel the chilling narratives of history's most infamous serial killers with this in-depth reading comprehension bundle!

Increase critical thinking skills with this Thanksgiving-themed Costa's Levels of Inquiry activity! Students will categorize questions based on Costa’s Level 1, 2, and 3, promoting deeper understanding of Thanksgiving traditions and ELA skills. Perfect for engaging middle and high school students in critical analysis and creative thinking during the holiday season!

What's Included

• 10 Thanksgiving-themed questions for categorizing into Costa's Level of Questioning
• Answer key

Find this in...

✨AVID Bundle

✨Costa Bundle

✨November Early Finisher Packet

If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to get your students working together, trying something new, and having a little fun along the way, while also getting them up and moving a bit, then you will love this team building and leadership challenge! Use it as an icebreaker or add a few extra challenges that students will work through and make it a complete lesson! My early elementary and middle school students loved this activity.

This AVID Costa's Levels of Thinking Early Finisher Packet includes a variety of critical thinking activities for middle and high school students. It features a passage with leveled questions, a creative "Finish the Story" activity using Costa’s levels, and an exercise where students categorize questions by thinking level. Perfect for classroom use or independent practice, this packet helps deepen understanding and encourages higher-level thinking!

Find this in...

✨AVID Bundle

✨Costa Bundle

✨Early Finisher Packets

What's Included

1. Passage with Leveled Questions

• Overview: This activity provides students with a short, engaging passage followed by questions categorized by Costa's Levels of Thinking.

2. Costa’s "Finish the Story" Activity

• Overview: This creative writing activity allows students to apply Costa’s Levels of Thinking as they finish a partially written story. Each stage of the activity corresponds to a different level of thinking.

3. Categorizing Costa's Questions Activity

• Overview: In this activity, students are given a set of questions related to a topic and must categorize them into Costa’s Levels of Thinking. This helps students learn how to identify different types of thinking questions.

Bonus Features

• Answer Key: An answer key is provided for teachers to quickly check the categorization activity and leveled questions.
• No-Prep, Print-and-Go Format: Just print and distribute!

Perfect For:

• Early finishers
• Enrichment activities
• Critical thinking lessons
• Independent or small group work
• Sub plans