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Thinking Skills

Item Description
Logic Puzzle 1: Mystery Math Ball Jennifer has receieved an invitation to a party, but she doesn't know where or when it is, or who is giving it. Use logic and deductive reasoning to discover the secret of the invitation in this mini-unit. Challenging (but not impossible!), this 4 page puzzle includes an explanatory answer sheet.
Fable: Aesop and Unity (middle school) This unit uses three of Aesop's shorter fables as a foundation for talking about unity. With imaginative writing and drawing prompts, as well as comprehension questions, this is a fun introduction to Aesop AND a solid lesson on character education and critical thinking skills. Available at four levels.
Worksheet: How to Answer Moral Questions (upper elem/middle) This short lesson doesn't provide answers, but provides the vocabulary for discussing ethical questions.



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How to Argue.... Using Fallacies (part II) Categorical syllogisms, illicit majors, equivocation, amphiboly, and more... it sounds tricky, but this unit clears away the confusion.
How to Argue.... Using Fallacies This thorough unit is packed with information about some of the most common fallacies: how to spot them, and how to avoid them.
Logic Puzzle 2: School Rules! Logic puzzles help improve cognitive skills and deductive reasoning. Challenging (but not impossible!) brain exercises. Includes an answer sheet.
Logic Puzzle 3: A Bull in the China Shop Logic puzzles help improve cognitive skills and deductive reasoning. Challenging (but not impossible!) brain exercises. Includes an answer sheet.
Assignment Sheet - Social Studies and Gardner's This assignment sheet (with clear grading policies) transforms any social studies project into a challenging and fun presentation, as students choose the project that best reflects their abilities (as defined by Gardner's Multiple Intelligences).
Comprehension: Fallacies (upper elem/middle) Five logical errors are presented and explained, then reviewed with comprehension questions and writing prompts.
Fable: Aesop and Fitting In (middle school) This unit uses the story of the miller, his son, and their donkey as a foundation for talking about fitting in. With imaginative writing and drawing prompts, as well as comprehension questions, this is a fun introduction to Aesop AND a solid lesson on character education and critical thinking skills. Available at four levels.
Think and Write: Defining Survival (upper elem/ middle) Defining the basics of survival needs, and taking creative approaches to survival situations.
Understanding Bloom's Taxonomy (middle) Introduces the concept behind Benjamin Bloom's question categories, and helps students understand the different levels as they apply to their lives. This is a great fall/back to school unit! (12 pages)
Unit: Conflict! A Constant Struggle (middle) This super-sized reading and writing unit introduces the basic categories of literary conflict (man vs. nature, etc.) and presents two summarized stories for students to analyze in terms of internal/external conflict. The unit incorporates vocabulary, critical thinking, and research.
Unit: Logic (upper elem/middle) From if/then statements to circle sets to syllogisms, this unit is sure to clarify the fundamentals of logical thinking. Includes solid practice questions for each section and an answer sheet.
Worksheets: Math and Logic (upper elementary) "Carl, Joe, and Greg buy lunch. A hamburger costs $3, a hot dog costs $2, and a salad costs $2.50. Read the details and decide: Who ate what?" Use math and reasoning to solve the problems on these four pages.
Comparing Stories: Braving Peer Pressure (upper elem) Rosa and Thomas both have ideas about peer pressure and bravery, but they have different ways of responding. Compare the two stories using charts; answer short questions; make predictions about the future. A good character education lesson.
Worksheets: Predicting Outcomes (upper elem/middle) Read a brief paragraph, then use supporting details and logic to predict the probable outcome. Three pages and an answer sheet.
Comprehension: Tall Tale - Annie Oakley (upper elem/middle) Read an Annie Oakley tall tale (based on "Annie Got Her Gun!") and answer the multiple choice questions, then read a true story about Oakley with short answer comprehension questions. Sort fact from fiction in a review worksheet. Think and write about the values reflected in these tall tales. Finally: Write your own Annie Oakley tall tale. A great unit and a fun "women's history month" tie-in.
Poetry Comprehension: Kipling's "If" (middle/high school) Read Kipling's poem on adulthood, and fill in the missing verbs. Then match the lines to their modern-day equivalents. Finally, discussion (or essay) questions to address the themes of the poem: adulthood, coming of age, etc. This lesson is adaptable to a variety of levels.
Worksheets: Math and Logic (upper elem/middle) "Reggie baby-sits for three families. Each family has a different number of children. Read the details and decide: How many children does each family have?" Use math and reasoning to solve 12 problems.
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Notes

  • PLEASE check other areas of the site for more MIDDLE SCHOOL materials. Many materials are multi-aged. Check out the theme units and teaching extras, book units, etc.


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