6th Grade Critical Thinking Activities (by date, oldest first)

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students learn more about safe and reliable use of the Internet in the digital age as they learn how to decipher between fake and real news, spot misleading websites, avoid clickbait, and recognize rumors or misleading information on social media. The lesson starts with a PowerPoint presentation (teacher led or distributed to students to read themselves) that outlines some of the pitfalls of erroneous or misleading information on the Internet. Then, students complete several lessons to develop their skills in recognizing fake news, fake websites, clickbait, and other misinformation. These can also be done with a partner or in a small group if the teacher prefers. Next, students work with a group to answer critical thinking questions about the ethics of fake news and ways to prevent contributing to the problem. Also included with the lesson is a word search puzzle, great for early finishers, or as a part of the lesson.

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary grades or high school as well.

Materials Required:

· Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students)

· Access to Microsoft Word or Google Docs and Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides

Files included:

· Teacher & Student Resources

· PowerPoint Presentation – Misinformation in the Digital Age

· 3 Lessons with Instructions, Grading Rubrics, and Answer Keys

· Reference Sheet: How to Recognize Fake Websites and News

· Group Discussion Critical Thinking Questions with Teacher Guide for Use

· Word Search Puzzle with Answer Key

Approximate Lesson Duration:

· Introduction to the Unit and PowerPoint Presentation: 1 (50 minute) class period

· 3 lessons: 3-4 (50 minute) class periods (for all three lessons)

· Group Discussion Questions: 1-3 (50 minute) class periods depending on class/group size

· Word Search Puzzle: about 20-30 minutes

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How does media effect one's self esteem?

This package contains 6 lessons and a culminating task that will address this topic.

The package is meant to be taught over at least five lessons. With discussion, each page should easily fill a 45- to 60-minute lesson block.

Lessons include:

- definitions and discussion

- Influence of the Media

- self esteem and music videos

- what happens when a "beauty" company helps people see their beauty?

- evolution of an advertisement (print media/photoshopping)

- overcoming stereotypes and negative comments

- Think about how awesome you are

- Hand of friendship (culminating task)

There is currently no final assessment piece included in this package.

Each lesson, except the last, should be started with a gratitude journal page. The idea behind this it to help students see that they have a lot to be grateful for, regardless of what the media may portray to them. The journal pages shouldn’t take anymore than 5 minutes, max. For photo copying purposes, the journal page is placed before the worksheet, for any given lesson.

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This is a MUST HAVE resource to make teaching Digital Media Literacy easy!

ONTARIO TEACHERS: This will help you teach the new Digital Media Literacy strand in the 2023 Language curriculum.

This package goes beyond the conversations about cyberbullying and safe use. In this resource you will find student sheets and posters for the nine elements of digital citizenship:

* digital health and wellness

* digital security

* digital rights and responsibilities

* digital literacy

* digital law

* digital etiquette

* digital communication

* digital commerce

* digital access

Each topic has a student page that asks thought provoking questions and provides a bit of information on the specific topic. These pages are meant to start a conversation and get students thinking about their digital lives and all it entails.

Each topic also has a black and white poster that matches the student sheet, using the same icon for quick recognition.

What others are saying:

• This was a great introduction activity. (Teresa P)
• I am excited to use this in the fall when I present Responsibility with internet uses. (Kami J)

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Equip adolescents, teens, and adults with essential internet safety skills using our specialized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, now available on TeachShare. Our Internet Safety ABA Program is meticulously crafted to enhance digital literacy and promote safe online behaviors through structured interventions and interactive learning materials.

What's Included:

1. Program Implementation Sheet: Seamlessly integrate the program into your curriculum or therapy sessions with our comprehensive implementation guide. Follow step-by-step instructions for effective program delivery and maximize learning outcomes.
2. Data Collection Target Sheet: Track progress and measure skill acquisition with our customizable data collection sheet. Capture learner responses and behavior changes related to internet safety, allowing for personalized interventions and goal setting.
3. List of Potential Targets/Scenarios: Explore a curated list of potential internet safety targets and scenarios, providing a practical framework for teaching and reinforcing safe online practices.
4. Visual Review Tool: Enhance comprehension and retention with our visual review tool, designed to facilitate discussions and reinforce key concepts related to internet safety.

Empower learners to navigate the digital landscape confidently and responsibly with our Internet Safety ABA Program. Equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves online and make informed decisions in the digital age. Download today and promote a safer and more secure online experience for all!

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

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

This AVID strategy of layering focused notes is the perfect instructional routine to display for any class in any subject area! Layering is a strategy that clarifies the second and third phases of the focused note-taking process by asking students to revisit their notes multiple times, thinking critically with a different purpose in mind.

Why layering?

Each layer added to the notes is completed in a different color, so a student’s interactions are visible to the instructor and to the student. This not only allows the instructor to assess the quality of the student’s thinking and interaction with the content, but it also solidifies learning about the process and the content itself. Additionally, the use of color enhances retention for visual learners.

Instructional Goals

Students will:

• Add layers of thinking to their notes to process and connect their thinking.

• Use colors to show their repeated interactions with their notes.

Materials needed

If taking notes on paper, students will need a variety of colored pens, colored pencils, highlighters, and markers to use for the note-taking layers.

Directions

• Provide time for students to complete each layer by adding to their notes with a different color.
• Work on one layer at a time. Consider whether developing learners need more structure or fewer components to add during each layering session, compared with more experienced note-takers.
• Have students keep a key to indicate what color is used for each layer (they can make their own key or use the example.)

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In this fun and back to school, no prep lesson and emergency sub for your Geography program, students will embark on a geographical journey to find specific countries using an atlas or google earth skills to develop their country finding ability, before labelling and coloring in the map. All neatly contained within a single A4 sheet.

Enjoy this resource! Don't forget to follow my store for more awesome products and rate this product for your TeachShare credits :)

People that have purchased this resource have also purchased -

Geography | What Causes Hunger lesson activity

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Geography | Hemispheres, Continents and Lines of Latitude Worksheet

Please leave a review.

In this no prep lesson for you or an emergency sub in your Geography program, students will embark on a geographical journey to explore the intricate details of our world's layout. They will be provided with a detailed map, which will serve as their canvas to mark and identify the lines of latitude, distinguish between the different hemispheres, and pinpoint the continents. As they navigate through the map, students will also encounter a series of questions designed to test their understanding and observation skills.

Task:

Using the numbers as references, students must identify and label the following:

• Continents
• Oceans
• Continents
• Hemispheres
• Lines of Latitude

Develop mate reading skills and visual recombination skills

Resources:

• A3 size sheet

• Marking key

Enjoy this resource! Don't forget to follow my store for more awesome products and rate this product for your TeachShare credits :)

People that have purchased this resource have also purchased -

Geography | What Causes Hunger lesson activity

Geography | Analysing and Interpreting Population Pyramids

Geography | Geographical Scavenger Hunt

Please leave a review.

In this no prep lesson for you or an emergency sub in your Geography program, students will embark on a geographical journey to explore the intricate details of our world's layout. They will be provided with a detailed map, which will serve as their canvas to mark and identify the lines of latitude, distinguish between the different hemispheres, and pinpoint the continents. As they navigate through the map, students will also encounter a series of questions designed to test their understanding and observation skills.

Task:

Using the numbers as references, students must identify and label the following:

• Continents
• Oceans
• Continents
• Hemispheres
• Lines of Latitude

Develop mate reading skills and visual recombination skills

Resources:

• A3 size sheet

• Marking key

Enjoy this resource! Don't forget to follow my store for more awesome products and rate this product for your TeachShare credits :)

People that have purchased this resource have also purchased -

Geography | What Causes Hunger lesson activity

Geography | Analysing and Interpreting Population Pyramids

Geography | Geographical Scavenger Hunt

Please leave a review.

One Story, Two Perspectives: Exploring Subjectivity and Empathy through Dual-Perspective Narratives 5-8

Description:

Dive into the world of subjectivity and empathy with "1 Story, 2 Perspectives," a unique collection of eight short stories, each told from two contrasting viewpoints. Designed for students in grades 5-8, this resource encourages readers to examine familiar scenarios through different lenses, fostering understanding, compassion, and critical thinking skills.

Each story features two distinct characters, such as the shy new kid and the boisterous class clown, or the driven athlete and the passionate artist. By presenting both perspectives side by side, these narratives invite students to step into the shoes of each character, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. As students engage with the stories, they'll develop a deeper appreciation for the role that personality, priorities, and life experiences play in shaping one's perception of the world.

But the learning doesn't stop with the stories themselves! This comprehensive resource also includes 20 thought-provoking activities and discussion questions, providing educators with a wealth of tools for extending the lessons of empathy and perspective-taking. From comparative analysis and writing prompts to role-playing exercises and real-world connections, these activities are designed to help students internalize the stories' messages and apply them to their own lives.

Key features of "1 Story, 2 Perspectives":

• 8 engaging short stories, each told from two contrasting viewpoints
• Suitable for students in grades 5-8
• Encourages empathy, critical thinking, and appreciation for diverse perspectives
• Includes 20 activities and discussion questions for deeper exploration
• Adaptable for various classroom settings and learning styles
• Aligns with Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

By exploring these dual-perspective narratives and engaging in the accompanying activities, students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of empathy and subjectivity
• Recognize the importance of considering multiple viewpoints
• Strengthen critical thinking and analysis skills
• Improve written and verbal communication abilities
• Foster a more compassionate and inclusive classroom community

"One Story, Two Perspectives" is a must-have resource for any educator looking to promote social-emotional learning, character education, and the development of 21st-century skills. Download now and watch as your students grow into more understanding, empathetic, and open-minded individuals!

Una historia, dos perspectivas: explorando la subjetividad y la empatía a través de narrativas de doble perspectiva

Descripción :

Sumérgete en el mundo de la subjetividad y la empatía con "Una historia, dos vistas", una colección única de ocho cuentos, cada uno contado desde dos puntos de vista opuestos. Diseñada para los grados 5 y 4, esta herramienta invita a los lectores a examinar situaciones familiares desde diferentes perspectivas, fomentando la comprensión, la compasión y el pensamiento crítico.

Cada historia presenta dos personajes distintos, como el tímido nuevo estudiante y el alborotador payaso de la clase, o el atleta decidido y el artista apasionado. Al presentar ambas perspectivas una al lado de la otra, estas historias invitan a los estudiantes a ponerse en el lugar de cada personaje, explorando sus pensamientos, sentimientos y motivaciones. A través de las historias, desarrollarán una mejor comprensión del papel que juegan la personalidad, las prioridades y las experiencias de vida en la percepción del mundo.

¡Pero el aprendizaje no termina con las historias mismas! Este recurso integral también incluye 20 actividades interesantes y preguntas de debate, lo que brinda a los maestros una gran cantidad de herramientas para profundizar las lecciones sobre empatía y toma de perspectiva. Desde análisis comparativos y ejercicios de escritura hasta juegos de roles y conexiones con el mundo real, estas actividades están diseñadas para ayudar a los estudiantes a internalizar los mensajes de las historias y aplicarlos a sus propias vidas.

Lo más destacado de “Una historia, dos vistas”:

• 8 historias cortas cautivadoras, cada una contada desde dos puntos de vista opuestos
• Fomenta la empatía, el pensamiento crítico y la apreciación de diversos puntos de vista.
• Incluye 20 actividades y preguntas de discusión para una mayor exploración.
• Adaptable a diferentes contextos de aula y estilos de aprendizaje.

Al explorar estas historias de doble perspectiva y participar en las actividades que las acompañan, los estudiantes:

• Desarrollar una comprensión más profunda de la empatía y la subjetividad.
• Reconocer la importancia de considerar múltiples puntos de vista.
• Fortalecer su pensamiento crítico y sus habilidades analíticas.
• Mejorar sus habilidades de comunicación oral y escrita.
• Promover una comunidad escolar más solidaria e inclusiva

“Una historia, dos perspectivas” es una herramienta esencial para cualquier docente que desee promover el aprendizaje socioemocional, la educación del carácter y el desarrollo de habilidades del siglo XXI. ¡Descárgalo ahora y observa cómo tus estudiantes se vuelven personas más comprensivas, empáticas y de mente abierta!

Une histoire, deux regards : Explorer la subjectivité et l'empathie à travers des récits à double perspective

Description :

Plongez dans l'univers de la subjectivité et de l'empathie avec "Une histoire, deux regards", un recueil unique de huit nouvelles, chacune racontée selon deux points de vue opposés. Conçu pour les élèves de 5e à 4e, cet outil invite les lecteurs à examiner des situations familières sous différents angles, favorisant ainsi la compréhension, la compassion et l'esprit critique.

Chaque histoire met en scène deux personnages distincts, comme le nouvel élève timide et le pitre turbulent de la classe, ou encore l'athlète déterminé et l'artiste passionné. En présentant les deux perspectives côte à côte, ces récits invitent les élèves à se mettre à la place de chaque personnage, à explorer ses pensées, ses sentiments et ses motivations. Au fil des histoires, ils développeront une meilleure compréhension du rôle que la personnalité, les priorités et les expériences de vie jouent dans la perception du monde.

Mais l'apprentissage ne s'arrête pas aux histoires elles-mêmes ! Cette ressource complète comprend également 20 activités et questions de discussion stimulantes, offrant aux enseignants une multitude d'outils pour approfondir les leçons d'empathie et de prise de perspective. De l'analyse comparative aux exercices d'écriture, en passant par les jeux de rôle et les liens avec le monde réel, ces activités sont conçues pour aider les élèves à intérioriser les messages des histoires et à les appliquer à leur propre vie.

Points forts de "Une histoire, deux regards" :

• 8 nouvelles captivantes, chacune racontée selon deux points de vue opposés
• Encourage l'empathie, l'esprit critique et l'appréciation de la diversité des points de vue
• Inclut 20 activités et questions de discussion pour une exploration plus approfondie
• Adaptable à différents contextes de classe et styles d'apprentissage

En explorant ces récits à double perspective et en participant aux activités qui les accompagnent, les élèves :

• Développeront une compréhension plus profonde de l'empathie et de la subjectivité
• Reconnaîtront l'importance de prendre en compte des points de vue multiples
• Renforceront leur esprit critique et leurs capacités d'analyse
• Amélioreront leurs compétences de communication écrite et orale
• Favoriseront une communauté scolaire plus bienveillante et inclusive

"Une histoire, deux regards" est un outil indispensable pour tout enseignant souhaitant promouvoir l'apprentissage socio-émotionnel, l'éducation au caractère et le développement des compétences du XXIe siècle. Téléchargez-le dès maintenant et observez vos élèves devenir des individus plus compréhensifs, empathiques et ouverts d'esprit !

Embark on a mythical adventure with this set of 30 HeadBands cards featuring iconic figures from Ancient Greek mythology!

From powerful gods and goddesses to courageous heroes and fearsome monsters, test your knowledge and have fun guessing who you are.

This pack includes:

1. 30 cards featuring a variety of well-known characters from Greek mythology.
2. A diverse range of figures: Gods like Zeus and Poseidon, heroes like Hercules and Apollo, monsters like Medusa and the Minotaur, and more!

Engaging gameplay: Perfect for any elementart or middle school classroom.

Educational value: Learn about Greek mythology while having fun!

How to Play:

Insert a card into your headband or stick it to your forehead without looking at it.

Ask yes or no questions to the other players to figure out who you are.

Be the first to guess your character correctly to win!

With this pack, your HeadBands game will reach Olympian heights!

If you're ready to add a little flare to your next classroom lesson, this might be the one for you! The Case of Respectfully Problem Solving brings a whole new level to working together, creative thinking and perspective shifting, as well as small group problem solving, listening, and working together! It is a whole lot of social-emotional learning in one fun activity! This digit download includes 12 pages with everything you need and specific instructions on just how to use it! There are a whole lot of teachable and "ah-ha" moments packed into one activity.

Make it even more fun and package their materials in a "Top Secret" Folder! My students loved being able to work together on this activity, but also enjoyed the individual creative thinking that came with it. It was a blast for all! If you are looking to reduce your paper usage, this is a great activity where you could print and laminate some of the activity sheets to use at a later time as well - only printing what you need to re-use (the sheets that students will write on!) Easy prep - lots of fun - many skills practiced!

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.

Students will enjoy this digital breakout website that has them solve four logic puzzles to find all the necessary keys to unlock the safe and get Cupid's arrows back. Students will use the Google Form that's embedded in the website to fill in their guesses for the passwords. They will get an immediate response on whether their guess was correct, (which will allow them to go to the next rooms submission), or tell them to try again.

This is an engaging digital breakout room that is NO PREP! Students will enjoy this digital breakout website that has them solve four logic puzzles to find all the necessary keys to unlock the locks which is forcing a giant snow machine to cause blizzards all over the world. Students will use the Google Form that's embedded in the website to fill in their guesses for the passwords. They will get an immediate response on whether their guess was correct, (which will allow them to go to the next rooms submission), or tell them to try again. This website is great for struggling readers as well because an AI avatar is able to read all directions/information aloud to the student if needed.

This is an engaging digital breakout room that is NO PREP! Students will enjoy this digital breakout website that has them solve four logic puzzles to find all the necessary keys to beat the leprechauns puzzle and win the pot of gold! Students will use the Google Form that's embedded in the website to fill in their guesses for the passwords. They will get an immediate response on whether their guess was correct, (which will allow them to go to the next rooms submission), or tell them to try again. This website is great for struggling readers as well because an AI avatar is able to read all directions/information aloud to the student if needed.

Challenge your students higher order thinking skills with these five logic puzzles that have a Halloween theme. Wake their brains while having fun working through a logic grid puzzle.

Each puzzle includes a scenario, a set of clues, and a grid that students may use to mark off the clues as they work their way through the clues. A teacher instruction page and answer keys are also included.