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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

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Learn more about critical thinking

Why inquiry?
The rationale for using discovery learning methods in teaching science.
Tobacco bag stringing: Educator's guide
Elementary lesson plans Elementary lesson plans based upon Tobacco Bag Stringing: Life and Labor in the Depression will help students understand what tobacco bag stringing was, study primary source documents and visuals,...
Format: lesson plan
Educator's guide: The arrival of Swiss immigrants
Teaching suggestions to help your students synthesize the information in the article "The Arrival of Swiss Immigrants."
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)
By Pauline S. Johnson.
Critical thinking and art with The Snowy Day
This lesson will focus on the illustrations from The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. The students will describe what makes illustrations worthy of a Caldecott Award. In addition, the students will complete an art project that will allow for creative critical thinking to compliment the illustrations in the book.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Visual Arts Education and Information Skills)
By Caryn Levy.
Primary source letters lesson plan
In Tobacco bag stringing: Secondary activity two, page 1
This is one of a series of activities that will help educators use the Tobacco Bag Stringing project materials in their classrooms. Throughout the series students will learn about tobacco stringing, study primary source...
Format: lesson plan
By Pauline S. Johnson.

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Complex thinking based on the acquisition and evaluation of new knowledge. The focus of learning is the pursuit of logical conclusions drawn from facts and evidence. The goal is for students to develop skills that help them critically assess information and avoid indoctrination into received wisdom.

Additional information

Critical thinking skills are presented and advocated in contrast to rote memorization of facts and information. Students are active participants in the development of critical thinking skills.