Curriculum/Grades4-6/Critical Thinking

The CT Foundry Library is split into modules that address either a core competency or a specific application of critical thinking. There is also a module on the assessment of critical thinking skills with measures that can be used before and after instruction.

All current modules are described below. Clicking on module titles will take you to lessons and activities for each topic. Currently our curriculum is aimed at fourth- through sixth-graders, but we are actively working to expand its scope to the entire K-12 range. Modules are updated frequently, so feel free to check back periodically for new resources.

Core Competencies of Critical Thinking
Identifying Objective and Subjective Claims In this module, students learn that a fact is something that is true for everyone and how facts differ from judgments and preferences. Students also learn that any claim that something is a fact can be classified as either probably true, probably not true, or lacking enough information to say.

Evaluating Evidence In this module, students learn about different ways to classify evidence such as direct versus indirect, physical versus remembered, first-hand versus second-hand, expert versus amateur, and anecdotal versus scientific. Strengths and weaknesses of each type of evidence are explored through experiential activities.

Using Good Methods In this module, students learn the basic concept of a method and how it helps to ensure reliable results regardless of who does it, when it is done, or how many times it is done. Students also learn what makes some methods better than others, including clarity, simplicity, completeness, not relying on memory, and generalizability. Students try solving problems with methods of varying quality and evaluate the results.

Understanding the Scientific Method In this module, students learn how reliable evidence is generated by systematically testing their ideas (hypotheses) about the causes of various phenomena, such as the fizzing of a liquid or how a card trick is performed.

Understanding Probability In this module, students learn basic concepts about probability, including what happens to the likelihood of a fact claim as you make repeated observations that support or refute it. Students also learn how anchoring, framing, confusing relative and absolute risk, and misestimating chances can lead to poor decisions and false conclusions.

Knowing Your Thinking Errors In this module, students learn to identify and avoid common thinking errors, such as only looking for or remembering evidence that supports a claim but none that refutes it, letting feelings cloud your judgment, assuming memory is infallible, confusing coincidence with cause, thinking that unlikely events have special meaning, and coming to a conclusion based on anecdotes.

Applications of Critical Thinking
Evaluating Claims from the Internet In this module, students learn to apply critical thinking skills to determine the likelihood that a fact claim encountered on-line is true. Students practice finding and evaluating fact claims on the internet by considering the source of the claim, the recency of the information about it, and evidence about the claim from independent sources.

Evaluating Claims about Conspiracies In this module, students learn to evaluate the likelihood that a given claim about the existence of a conspiracy is true. Examples of both well-established and discredited conspiracy claims are discussed. Students consider factors including the existing expert consensus opinion, the source of the conspiracy claim, and the number of individuals required to accomplish the conspiracy.

Evaluating Claims about Special Powers In this module, students learn to apply critical thinking skills to determine the likelihood that a claim about special powers, such as mind reading, telekinesis, or clairvoyance is true. Students participate in teacher-led demonstrations of special powers wherein the teacher lets the students know up-front that the demonstration is a deception. Students then have the opportunity to test their hypotheses about how the deception was accomplished before the teacher reveals the trick.

Evaluating Political Claims In this module, students learn to evaluate the likelihood that any given claim made by a political candidate or elected official is true. Activities center on identifying specific fact claims and applying critical thinking skills to both identify the evidence required to evaluate the claim and then assessing available evidence to determine the probability that the claim is true.

Assessing Critical Thinking
Outcome Measures This module contains pre- and post-tests to gauge students’ mastery of core critical thinking competencies.