critical thinking activities in patterns

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Critical thinking activities in patterns, imagery, logic

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Activities with Pattern Blocks

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• Critical Thinking

When it comes to math manipulatives, one of the most common things I hear is about not knowing what to do with them. In this post, I share one of my favorite activities with pattern blocks. It’s engaging and promotes critical thinking and communicating mathematically.

“Free to a good home!” 

This was the sign hovering over a pile full of teacher stuff outside of a classroom door. 

Something with bright colors caught my eye, so I rummaged through the pile to see if there was anything there worth my time. 

I pushed the pile apart with my hands to see what was at the bottom. 

Math manipulatives!! 😁

I couldn’t believe my luck! There were trays of Cuisenaire rods and a box of Base 10 Blocks.

A smile came across my face as I quickly scooped up the manipulatives and ran back to my classroom thinking of all the ways I could use these tools with my students. 

Using Manipulatives in the Classroom

One of the most common things I hear from teachers is about not knowing how to best utilize manipulatives. These math tools cost a lot of money but often go unused because teachers are unsure of how to use them.

While I’m an avid collector of all math manipulatives, pattern blocks are one of my favorite math tools because they are versatile and can be used in many different ways in the classroom. And, it’s the one tool most schools seem to have more than enough of. 

In fact, when you inherited your classroom, you may have found gobs of these random shapes, maybe even a few buckets of them in the cabinets. 

And, you probably thought to yourself, “What am I supposed to do with these? We only teach geometry for three weeks!” 

Well friend, did you know pattern blocks can be used for more than your three-week geometry unit? Pattern blocks are amazing tools that can be used all year long!

Pattern blocks include six basic shapes: a yellow hexagon, a red trapezoid, a blue rhombus, a green triangle, an orange square, and a beige rhombus. The pieces are proportional to each other which makes them useful in a variety of ways. 

In addition to analyzing the characteristics of two-dimensional shapes, pattern blocks can also be used to teach fractions . There are even some additional fraction pieces you can add to the set to enhance student learning. 

Critical Thinking Activities with Pattern Blocks

What’s the Common Attribute?” is an engaging activity that promotes critical thinking with pattern blocks. It can be used year round and makes a great starter activity, especially around the time of your geometry unit. The only prerequisite skills needed are some basic vocabulary terms related to shapes, such as sides, angles, congruent, equal, etc. 

The basic idea is to create a Venn Diagram where pattern blocks are placed according to a specific attribute or set of attributes. Students then use the placement of the pattern blocks to determine the common attribute. (See the example above.)

Here’s how the activity works:

1. Choose a rule for the Venn diagram. 

2. Display a Venn Diagram with the blocks in the correct place on a dry erase board or under the document camera.

3. Ask the students, “What’s the common attribute?”

4. Provide students with time to think.

5. Ask students to “turn and talk” to a shoulder partner, face partner, neighbor, or classmate to discuss the answer. 

6. Have students share their responses with the class highlighting important vocabulary.  

Promote Critical Thinking with Good Questions

Important questions to ask during the debrief:

a. What vocabulary is important here?

b. What’s the common attribute of the left side?

c. What’s the common attribute of the right side?

d. What’s the common attribute of the shapes in the middle, or the intersection, of the two circles? 

e. Why is there a shape on the outside of both circles? What does this mean? (It is a part of the set but does not meet the inclusion criteria for either circle.)

What to Do Next

Once students get the hang of the activity, have them create their own puzzlers– a great math menu activity. Then, share their creations with the class and have students decide “what’s the common attribute?” 

Ready to try it out? Grab a free set of puzzlers using the form below. 

What’s your favorite way to use pattern blocks in the classroom? 

Shametria Routt Banks

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Critical Thinking Activities in Patterns, Imagery, Logic Paperback – 1 Jun. 1988

• ISBN-10 0866514406
• ISBN-13 978-0866514408
• Publisher Dale Seymour Pubn
• Publication date 1 Jun. 1988
• Language English
• Dimensions 22.23 x 1.27 x 28.58 cm
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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dale Seymour Pubn (1 Jun. 1988)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0866514406
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0866514408
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 22.23 x 1.27 x 28.58 cm
• 52,377 in Education Studies
• 94,126 in Science & Nature Education (Books)

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Product Identifiers

• Publisher Savvas Learning Company
• ISBN-10 0866514724
• ISBN-13 9780866514729
• eBay Product ID (ePID) 843960

Product Key Features

• Author Dale Seymour
• Publication Name Critical Thinking Activities in Patterns, Imagery, Logic
• Format Trade Paperback
• Language English
• Publication Year 1990
• Type Textbook
• Number of Pages 192 Pages
• Item Length 10.9in.
• Item Height 0.5in.
• Item Width 8.6in.
• Item Weight 19 Oz

Additional Product Features

• Grade from Seventh Grade
• Grade to Twelfth Grade
• Copyright Date 1989
• Target Audience Juvenile Audience
• Topic Secondary, Educational Psychology, Teaching Methods & Materials / Mathematics
• Intended Audience Ages 9-12, Ages 4-8, Ages 2-3, under 2 Years
• Illustrated Yes
• Genre Education

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1. Counting in Patterns

2. shape sorting, 3. pattern towers with blocks, 4. identifying patterns in storybooks, 5. pattern dance moves, 6. clapping and tapping patterns, 7. dot markers and paper, 8. use objects to create shadow patterns, 9. roll dice and use the numbers to create a pattern sequence, 10. popsicle stick patterns.

Looking for fun ways to teach kids about patterns ? You’re in the right place! This blog will explore 12 pattern activities for preschoolers designed to make learning about patterns enjoyable and educational. Let’s dive in and discover how these activities can boost your child’s understanding of patterns in everyday life!

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SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets
• Pencils or crayons
• Challenge children to identify and continue number sequences that follow a specific pattern, such as adding two or subtracting one. 

Learning Outcomes: By filling in missing numbers and completing sets on the worksheet, kids can strengthen their understanding of numerical order and arithmetic operations. It’s an excellent way to practice counting skills while recognizing and predicting numerical patterns , making it a vital exercise for developing mathematical fluency in young learners.

Here are fun pattern worksheets to get started:

• Assorted shapes cut from colored paper or felt
• Labeled boxes
• Spread out the various shapes before your child and name each one. Include a mix of circles, squares, triangles, and other shapes you’d like to introduce.
• Have boxes labeled with the names of the shapes. Ask your child to sort the shapes into the correct box.
• Challenge them further by asking them to sort the shapes by color and then by shape, or even create patterns within the box using the shapes.

Learning Outcomes: This activity teaches children to categorize and recognize different shapes and colors, fundamental skills in pattern activities for kids . It also helps develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Get started with these worksheets:

• Blocks of various colors and sizes
• A flat surface like a table or a floor mat
• Start by building a simple base pattern, such as a red block followed by a blue block, and repeat.
• Ask your child to continue the pattern upwards, creating a tower. They can also start their own pattern next to yours.
• Once they are comfortable, introduce different patterns by changing the order of colors or the number of blocks between repetitions.

Learning Outcomes: Building pattern towers allows children to engage in spatial thinking and understand sequences, which are crucial components of pattern crafts for preschoolers. This activity also fosters creativity and boosts problem-solving abilities as they figure out how to balance the blocks while maintaining the pattern.

A selection of children’s storybooks that include clear patterns or repetitive elements

• Select a few books that have obvious patterns in the text or illustrations.
• As you read, pause when a pattern emerges and point it out, then ask your child to guess what might come next.
• After reading, discuss the patterns found in the story. Ask your child if they can think of similar patterns in other books or in their surroundings.

Learning Outcomes: Children will learn to recognize and anticipate patterns in language, which is an important skill for early literacy. This activity fosters an understanding of narrative structures, making it a valuable part of pattern activities for pre k.

• Music player
• Space to dance
• Choose music with a clear, repetitive beat that’s easy to dance to.
• Demonstrate a simple dance pattern, such as step, step, clap, and repeat. Encourage your child to follow.
• Alternate who leads the dance, allowing your child to choose and create their own dance patterns.
• After each dance, talk about what pattern was made and try it again, or create a new one.

Learning Outcomes: This activity enhances children’s ability to recognize and repeat rhythmic patterns, contributing to their musical and physical development. It also boosts memory and coordination, making it one of the most simple pattern activities for preschoolers.

• None (Just hands and a surface to tap on)
• Start by clapping a simple pattern such as clap, clap, pause, clap. Have your child repeat it.
• Gradually add more elements like tapping on a table, snapping fingers, or stomping feet.
• Turn it into a game where you create a pattern and your child has to match it, then let them create a pattern for you to follow.
• Try to keep up with each other and see how long you can maintain the rhythm without breaking the pattern.

Learning Outcomes: Children will develop auditory discrimination skills and improve their ability to follow and create rhythmic patterns. These are foundational skills in preschool pattern activities that enhance coordination and timing.

• Dot markers
• Large sheets of paper
• Lay out the paper on a flat surface.
• Show how to use dot markers to make patterns on the paper, such as dot, dot, line, dot, dot, line.
• Give your child the freedom to create their own patterns using different colors and sequences.
• Discuss the patterns your child has created. Ask about why they chose those patterns and what they like about them.

Learning Outcomes: This artistic activity encourages creativity while reinforcing the understanding of sequences and patterns. It’s a tactile and visually stimulating way to engage in pattern activities that also promote fine motor skills development.

• Variety of small objects (toys, utensils, leaves, etc.)
• A blank wall or large sheet of paper
• Allow your child to pick several objects that can cast interesting shadows.
• On a sunny day or in a darkened room with a flashlight, position the objects between the light source and the wall or paper.
• Move the objects closer to or farther from the light to see how their shadows change. Arrange them in different sequences to create various shadow patterns.
• Talk about how the shadows look and why they change size and shape.

Learning Outcomes: This activity introduces basic concepts of light and shadow while engaging children in pattern activities for children. It encourages experimentation and observation, key skills in scientific thinking, and pattern recognition.

• A pair of dice
• Paper and pencil (optional)
• Start by rolling the dice and recording the numbers.
• Look for sequences in the numbers rolled, such as even numbers , odd numbers , or increasing values.
• Continue rolling the dice and adding to the sequence based on the established pattern.
• Once you have a long sequence, review it with your child and discuss the patterns you see.

Learning Outcomes: This activity helps enhance numerical understanding and pattern recognition, making it a valuable part of pattern making activities. It also introduces basic statistics and probability concepts in a fun and accessible way.

• Colored Popsicle sticks
• Glue (optional for permanent creations)
• Start by color sorting the Popsicle sticks.
• Lay out a pattern sequence, such as red, blue, green, red, blue, green.
• Encourage your child to continue the pattern or start a new one. They can also build shapes or structures following a patterned design.

Learning Outcomes: Crafting with Popsicle sticks helps develop fine motor skills and color recognition. It’s an effective method for teaching patterns to preschoolers, fostering both creativity and logical thinking.

11. Colorful Bead Patterns

• A variety of colorful beads
• String or pipe cleaners
• Scissors (use with adult supervision)
• Cut the string into pieces about 24 inches long, or use pipe cleaners for easier handling by small hands.
• Show your child how to create a simple pattern on the string or pipe cleaner, such as red, blue, red, and blue.
• Encourage your child to continue or create a new pattern using different colors.
• As they work, discuss the patterns they are creating. Ask questions like, “What color comes next?” or “How many red beads do you have?”
• Once the string is filled, tie the ends to make a bracelet or a necklace.

Learning Outcomes: Children will enhance their ability to recognize and predict sequences, which is crucial for early math skills. This activity also aids in developing fine motor skills and encourages creativity, making it a perfect example of fun pattern activities that support growth in multiple areas.

12. ABC Patterns

• Colored paper or cardstock
• Markers or crayons
• Glue or tape
• Cut out train car shapes from the colored paper or cardstock. You’ll need one car for each letter you plan to include in the pattern.
• Use markers or crayons to write a letter on each car. Start with ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’, and continue the sequence depending on how long you want the train to be.
• Encourage your child to decorate each car according to a repeating color pattern (e.g., red for ‘A’, blue for ‘B’, green for ‘C’, and then repeat).
• Arrange the cars in order and glue or tape them together to form a train. Make sure the sequence is correct and the pattern repeats accurately.

Learning Outcomes: Children will enhance their ability to recognize and predict sequences in alphabetic order, crucial for reading readiness . The activity promotes color recognition and fine motor skills as children cut, color, and assemble the train. 

Engaging in pattern activities for preschoolers is not only fun but also foundational to developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By incorporating these creative and educational exercises, you can help young learners establish a strong base for future learning adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you teach preschoolers patterns.

Teaching preschoolers patterns involves showing them repeated sequences in objects, sounds, or actions and encouraging them to recognize, replicate, and create their own patterns. Start with simple sequences using colors or shapes and gradually introduce more complexity.

What is the pattern activity?

A pattern activity is any exercise or game that requires identifying, following, or creating a sequence based on specific rules. These activities can include arranging objects, coloring, drawing, or moving in ways that repeat and establish a predictable order.

What are the benefits of pattern activities for preschoolers?

Pattern activities for preschoolers enhance cognitive development by improving their ability to recognize and predict sequences, which is crucial for math and language skills. These activities also foster problem-solving abilities and help develop fine motor skills and logical thinking.

What is an example of pattern recognition for kids?

An example of pattern recognition for kids could be a simple activity where children sort colored blocks into a sequence of red, blue, red, blue. This activity helps them recognize and predict the color that comes next, building their ability to identify patterns in everyday objects and actions.

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Pattern Worksheets

Critical thinking and problem-solving are essential life skills. Kids develop these skills slowly through continuous practice. You can help your kids acquire these skills through different learning techniques. Kids start perceiving patterns as early as preschool. Describing patterns and identifying missing elements requires kids to observe and recognize. Thus, they develop the ability to recognize patterns with time. Recognizing patterns is an important developmental skill. Practising patterns and sequences help children predict what comes next in a pattern immediately. We have made some fun and engaging pattern worksheets to practice patterns and number sequences. These pattern worksheets include number pattern activities, skip counting, colour and shape sequences.

Related: Number Worksheets (Counting 1-10)

Curriculum Content Descriptions :

• Describe patterns with numbers and identify missing elements (ACMNA035)
• Describe, continue, and create number patterns resulting from performing addition or subtraction (ACMNA060)

Click the pictures below to download these worksheets. Answers are also provided with these worksheets.

Number Patterns Worksheets

These worksheets include repeating number patterns which increase in difficulty in each sheet.

In this worksheet, students will be tasked to complete the number patterns by filling in the missing numbers. This worksheet is great for kindergarten and year1 students.

This worksheet requires students to identify the patterns and fill in the missing numbers on the number line. Students will practise counting forward and backward in 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 10’s in this worksheet. This worksheet is great for year1 , year2 and year3 students who are learning number patterns.

Use this free number and algebra pattern activity to teach kids a variety of sequences. This worksheet is great for year2 and year3 students as it includes a combination of addition and subtraction patterns.

Related: Year1 & Year2 mental maths worksheets

Repeating Patterns Worksheets

Use this exciting sequence activity to improve children recognition and critical thinking skills. This worksheet is also helpful when teaching students about 2D shapes and arrows.

Related:  2D Shapes Activities

This Repeating Patterns worksheet is a great resource to use when teaching students about a repeated sequence. Students are expected to complete the patterns by colouring the shapes. This worksheet is perfect for preschool and kindergarten students.

Cut and Paste Pattern Worksheet

Help your kids complete patterns with this fun cut and paste activity. This worksheet is, especially for preschool and kindergarten students who are learning about patterns and sequences.

Also, check: Addition and Subtraction Fun Worksheets

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Critical thinking activities in patterns, imagery, logic

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• Vocabulary Smarts  Gr. 2-5
• Vocabulary Virtuoso  Gr. 2-12+
• What Would You Do?  Gr. 2-12+
• Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know!  Gr. 9-12+
• Word Explorer  Gr. 6-8
• Word Roots  Gr. 3-12+
• World History Detective  Gr. 6-12+
• Writing Detective  Gr. 3-6
• You Decide!  Gr. 6-12+

Pattern Explorer Beginning

Pattern problems to develop mathematical reasoning.

Grades: 3-4

Mathematics

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Description and Features

Mathematics and science can be thought of as a search for patterns and structure. This 88-page book provides rich and diverse collections of pattern problems for students to explore, investigate, discover, and create. The five different types of pattern problems found in this book are:

• Pattern Predictor
• Equality Explorer
• Sequence Sleuth
• Number Ninja
• Function Finder

There are optional hints and detailed solutions. From a developmental perspective, the ability to recognize a pattern signals the transition from concrete to abstract thinking. So having students explore pattern problems helps sensitize them to the discovery process that provides a foundation for authentic learning and abstraction. These activities are independent and self-contained, but tend to build on one another and get gradually more sophisticated. Calculators are never needed, and their use is discouraged. Parents and teachers should encourage students to pursue these pattern problems with a sense of adventure and perseverance. Although this book's patterns appropriate for Grades 3-4, experiences with these activities may vary widely depending upon readiness for abstraction. There are many ways to solve and explain a pattern problem, and the solutions provided are not intended to be unique. In all situations, and at whatever pace and facility, the transition from concrete to abstract thinking is worthwhile.

For more pattern exploration, in the context of words and letters, please see the companion collection Word Explorer by the same author, Darin Beigie .

Product Details

General license - download.

SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY

This is a legal agreement between you (a single entity, company, or educational institution) and The Critical Thinking Co.™ for the software accompanying this agreement, which includes computer Software and associated Documentation. By installing this Software on a computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly erase all copies of the software in your possession and return any Software packaging associated with this order within sixty (60) days of purchase to the place from which you obtained it for a full refund.

The Critical Thinking Co.™ hereby grants to you a non-exclusive license to use the software product identified above (the "Software") and the accompanying printed materials and User Manual (the "Documentation") on the terms set forth below.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. The Critical Thinking Co.™ grants you the right to install and use this Software Product, provided that this software will be installed only in the quantity and for the computer system(s) indicated at the time of your order for the Software.

2. COPYRIGHT. The Software Product and Documentation are protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. Therefore, you must treat the Software Product like any other copyrighted material. You may not remove, modify, or alter any of The Critical Thinking Co.'s™ copyright or trademark notices from any part originally contained in or otherwise created by the Software Product, including any notices contained in the Documentation.

3. RESTRICTIONS. You may not modify, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the Software, or any portion thereof. The Software Product is licensed as a single product. This Software Product can be installed on a computer as a whole and shall not be separated in parts or disassembled to parts or pieces. You may not rent, lease, or lend the Software or Documentation to any other party without the written permission of The Critical Thinking Co.™. The License is in effect until terminated. The License will terminate automatically if you fail to comply with the limitations described herein. On termination, you must destroy all copies of the Software and Documentation.

4. WARRANTIES. The Critical Thinking Co.™ expressly disclaims any warranty for the Software Product. The Software and Documentation is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The entire risk arising out of use or performance of the Software remains with you. If media within this package is defective, remove the software application from your device(s) and return any software packaging associated with this order to The Critical Thinking Co.™ within 60 days of the date of purchase, and they will replace it at no charge.

5. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. In no event shall The Critical Thinking Co.™ or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this Software Product, even if The Critical Thinking Co.™ has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

6. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement represents the complete agreement concerning this license between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and representations between them. This Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by both parties. The acceptance of any purchase order placed by you is expressly made conditional on your assent to the terms set forth herein, and not those contained within your purchase order. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be reformed only to the extend necessary to make it enforceable and the remainder of this Agreement shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect. If you acquired this product in the United States, the laws of the State of California govern this Agreement. If this product was acquired outside the United States, then local laws may apply. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, or if you desire to contact The Critical Thinking Co.™ for any reason, please write to The Critical Thinking Co.™, PO Box 1610, Seaside, CA 93950-1610, USA; send a fax to 831-393-3277; send email to [email protected]; call 800-458-4849; or refer to The Critical Thinking Co.™'s Website at http://www.criticalthinking.com/ .

Creative Child Magazine, 2015 - Educational Books for Kids Seal of Excellence Award

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Educationise

11 Activities That Promote Critical Thinking In The Class

52 Critical Thinking Flashcards for Problem Solving

Critical thinking activities encourage individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to develop informed opinions and make reasoned decisions. Engaging in such exercises cultivates intellectual agility, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues and honing problem-solving skills for navigating an increasingly intricate world. Through critical thinking, individuals empower themselves to challenge assumptions, uncover biases, and constructively contribute to discourse, thereby enriching both personal growth and societal progress.

Critical thinking serves as the cornerstone of effective problem-solving, enabling individuals to dissect challenges, explore diverse perspectives, and devise innovative solutions grounded in logic and evidence. For engaging problem solving activities, read our article problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a 21st-century skill that enables a person to think rationally and logically in order to reach a plausible conclusion. A critical thinker assesses facts and figures and data objectively and determines what to believe and what not to believe. Critical thinking skills empower a person to decipher complex problems and make impartial and better decisions based on effective information.

More Articles from Educationise

• 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom
• How to Foster Critical Thinking Skills in Students? Creative Strategies and Real-World Examples
• 9 Must-Have AI Tools for Teachers to Create Interactive Learning Materials
• The Future of Education: 8 Predictions for the Next Decade
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• 8 Free Math Problem Solving Websites and Applications

Critical thinking skills cultivate habits of mind such as strategic thinking, skepticism, discerning fallacy from the facts, asking good questions and probing deep into the issues to find the truth.

Importance of Acquiring Critical Thinking Skills

Acquiring critical thinking skills was never as valuable as it is today because of the prevalence of the modern knowledge economy. Today, information and technology are the driving forces behind the global economy. To keep pace with ever-changing technology and new inventions, one has to be flexible enough to embrace changes swiftly.

Read our article: How to Foster Critical Thinking Skills in Students? Creative Strategies and Real-World Examples

Today critical thinking skills are one of the most sought-after skills by the companies. In fact, critical thinking skills are paramount not only for active learning and academic achievement but also for the professional career of the students. The lack of critical thinking skills catalyzes memorization of the topics without a deeper insight, egocentrism, closed-mindedness, reduced student interest in the classroom and not being able to make timely and better decisions.

Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills in Education

Certain strategies are more eloquent than others in teaching students how to think critically. Encouraging critical thinking in the class is indispensable for the learning and growth of the students. In this way, we can raise a generation of innovators and thinkers rather than followers. Some of the benefits offered by thinking critically in the classroom are given below:

• It allows a student to decipher problems and think through the situations in a disciplined and systematic manner
• Through a critical thinking ability, a student can comprehend the logical correlation between distinct ideas
• The student is able to rethink and re-justify his beliefs and ideas based on facts and figures
• Critical thinking skills make the students curious about things around them
• A student who is a critical thinker is creative and always strives to come up with out of the box solutions to intricate problems
• Critical thinking skills assist in the enhanced student learning experience in the classroom and prepares the students for lifelong learning and success
• The critical thinking process is the foundation of new discoveries and inventions in the world of science and technology
• The ability to think critically allows the students to think intellectually and enhances their presentation skills, hence they can convey their ideas and thoughts in a logical and convincing manner
• Critical thinking skills make students a terrific communicator because they have logical reasons behind their ideas

Critical Thinking Lessons and Activities

11 Activities that Promote Critical Thinking in the Class

We have compiled a list of 11 activities that will facilitate you to promote critical thinking abilities in the students. We have also covered problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest in our another article. Click here to read it.

1. Worst Case Scenario

Divide students into teams and introduce each team with a hypothetical challenging scenario. Allocate minimum resources and time to each team and ask them to reach a viable conclusion using those resources. The scenarios can include situations like stranded on an island or stuck in a forest. Students will come up with creative solutions to come out from the imaginary problematic situation they are encountering. Besides encouraging students to think critically, this activity will enhance teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills of the students.

Read our article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

2. If You Build It

It is a very flexible game that allows students to think creatively. To start this activity, divide students into groups. Give each group a limited amount of resources such as pipe cleaners, blocks, and marshmallows etc. Every group is supposed to use these resources and construct a certain item such as building, tower or a bridge in a limited time. You can use a variety of materials in the classroom to challenge the students. This activity is helpful in promoting teamwork and creative skills among the students.

It is also one of the classics which can be used in the classroom to encourage critical thinking. Print pictures of objects, animals or concepts and start by telling a unique story about the printed picture. The next student is supposed to continue the story and pass the picture to the other student and so on.

4. Keeping it Real

In this activity, you can ask students to identify a real-world problem in their schools, community or city. After the problem is recognized, students should work in teams to come up with the best possible outcome of that problem.

5. Save the Egg

Make groups of three or four in the class. Ask them to drop an egg from a certain height and think of creative ideas to save the egg from breaking. Students can come up with diverse ideas to conserve the egg like a soft-landing material or any other device. Remember that this activity can get chaotic, so select the area in the school that can be cleaned easily afterward and where there are no chances of damaging the school property.

6. Start a Debate

In this activity, the teacher can act as a facilitator and spark an interesting conversation in the class on any given topic. Give a small introductory speech on an open-ended topic. The topic can be related to current affairs, technological development or a new discovery in the field of science. Encourage students to participate in the debate by expressing their views and ideas on the topic. Conclude the debate with a viable solution or fresh ideas generated during the activity through brainstorming.

7. Create and Invent

This project-based learning activity is best for teaching in the engineering class. Divide students into groups. Present a problem to the students and ask them to build a model or simulate a product using computer animations or graphics that will solve the problem. After students are done with building models, each group is supposed to explain their proposed product to the rest of the class. The primary objective of this activity is to promote creative thinking and problem-solving skills among the students.

8. Select from Alternatives

This activity can be used in computer science, engineering or any of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes. Introduce a variety of alternatives such as different formulas for solving the same problem, different computer codes, product designs or distinct explanations of the same topic.

Form groups in the class and ask them to select the best alternative. Each group will then explain its chosen alternative to the rest of the class with reasonable justification of its preference. During the process, the rest of the class can participate by asking questions from the group. This activity is very helpful in nurturing logical thinking and analytical skills among the students.

9. Reading and Critiquing

Present an article from a journal related to any topic that you are teaching. Ask the students to read the article critically and evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the article. Students can write about what they think about the article, any misleading statement or biases of the author and critique it by using their own judgments.

In this way, students can challenge the fallacies and rationality of judgments in the article. Hence, they can use their own thinking to come up with novel ideas pertaining to the topic.

10. Think Pair Share

In this activity, students will come up with their own questions. Make pairs or groups in the class and ask the students to discuss the questions together. The activity will be useful if the teacher gives students a topic on which the question should be based.

For example, if the teacher is teaching biology, the questions of the students can be based on reverse osmosis, human heart, respiratory system and so on. This activity drives student engagement and supports higher-order thinking skills among students.

11. Big Paper – Silent Conversation

Silence is a great way to slow down thinking and promote deep reflection on any subject. Present a driving question to the students and divide them into groups. The students will discuss the question with their teammates and brainstorm their ideas on a big paper. After reflection and discussion, students can write their findings in silence. This is a great learning activity for students who are introverts and love to ruminate silently rather than thinking aloud.

Finally, for students with critical thinking, you can go to GS-JJ.co m to customize exclusive rewards, which not only enlivens the classroom, but also promotes the development and training of students for critical thinking.

Read our next article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

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Thanks for the great article! Especially with the post-pandemic learning gap, these critical thinking skills are essential! It’s also important to teach them a growth mindset. If you are interested in that, please check out The Teachers’ Blog!

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Categorically Unsafe Software

By: Senior Technical Advisors Bob Lord and Jack Cable, Senior Advisor Lauren Zabierek

In many of our writings about the secure by design initiative, we use phrases like “classes of coding error”, “classes of vulnerability”, or “categories of defect”. You may wonder why we place so much emphasis on grouping defects together rather than focusing on individual ones. In fact, we’ve had many people ask us why we urge software manufacturers to eliminate entire classes of defect like cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection (SQLi) , directory traversal , and memory unsafety, as called for in our Secure by Design Pledge . To illustrate how focusing on quality and eliminating groups of errors improves security, we offer our current thinking. 

From patterns to progress

Copying successful industries . While it might seem like a novel concept to making software more secure, root cause analysis and mitigation of repeated classes of defect is the norm in industries that have significantly higher levels of quality and safety. In the aviation industry, experts analyze safety-related incidents to understand not just the proximate causes of the problem, but the multiple contributing factors, thereby allowing them to make recommendations to change pilot, crew, and air traffic controller training, plane maintenance, and cockpit and aircraft design, among others. 

Recognizing patterns . To improve product quality and security at scale, we need to spot patterns of recurring defect so that we can move from addressing each defect one at a time to eliminating them from the start. What kinds of coding errors do developers repeatedly make at any given software manufacturer, or across the industry? When we group negative outcomes into classes, we can start to engage in systems thinking to understand the real root causes and potential remedies. Moreover, this helps us to better predict how these product defects will be exploited by malicious actors, thereby giving defenders a leg up when leveraging limited resources.

Analyzing trends over time . Pattern detection is just the first step. We also need to understand how those patterns change over time. Are classes of defect increasing or decreasing over time for any given software product, or across the entire industry? By looking at trends, we can start to see which software companies are making progress and which need to initiate a quality improvement program. 

Generalizing remedies . By thinking about classes of defect, we can think beyond the symptom of the problem, and start to reason more about ways to generalize remedies. This line of thinking also serves to shift the responsibility of security from the least capable to the most equipped. Instead of software developers asking, “How can I fix this one defect?” they can ask “How can I prevent all similar defects?” Rather than fixing one SQL injection (SQLi) defect, why not eliminate them entirely, as some companies appear to have done? 

Remediation scale . Some classes of coding error can be eliminated with relatively low effort, while some may require significant effort. Until we learn how widespread various classes of defect are, we won’t be able to distinguish between classes of defect that companies should eliminate on their own, and those that require a coordinated effort by the larger software ecosystem.

Shift left . In the context of software development, people use the phrase “shift left” to mean conducting certain activities earlier in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Part of the idea is that preventing coding mistakes is cheaper than catching and fixing them later in the timeline. The phrases “shift left” and “eliminating classes of vulnerability” are different sides of the same coin. If you truly align your product security program to prevent defects as early in the development cycle as possible, meaning that you are shifting security left on a timeline, you must contemplate ways to eliminate entire classes of coding error.

Developer ecosystems . Google’s March 2024 whitepaper titled “ Secure by Design at Google ” includes this important observation: “The security posture of software products and services is an emergent property  of the developer ecosystem in which they are designed, implemented and deployed”. They further write that “careful design of developer ecosystems can drastically lower the incidence of certain kinds of defects, and in some cases practically eliminate them”. The idea is that repeated types of software defects are not the fault of the individual software developer. That means that “developer training” might not be the best remedy. Instead, they argue, those repeat offender defects are an emergent property of the tools and practices that the company has given their coders. Some tools make it nearly impossible for the developer to avoid coding errors. As one example, see the prevalence of memory safety defects in languages like C/C++ compared to others like Swift, C#, Java, Rust, Python, JavaScript, Go, and Ruby. 

Reducing costs to software manufacturers . Software defects can be reported at random times. Pulling software developers off other tasks to address software defects can be expensive and disruptive to project schedules. As any business looks to save where it can, it is useful to examine the costs of insecurity to the company. To instead achieve economies of scale, companies should invest in the tools and resources needed to prevent the introduction of entire classes of defect and achieve secure outcomes like secure developer ecosystems.

Reducing costs to the customers . Applying software updates is not a trivial matter in businesses, small or large – not to mention the costs of an intrusion. We now know that security will not be achieved by simply “patching harder.” Therefore, reducing the number of critical security fixes can reduce the load on IT professionals, and improve customer security.

Increasing costs to the threat actors . When we eliminate entire classes of defect, we make it harder for threat actors to exploit simple vulnerabilities. That raises their cost to conduct malicious cyber activity. If product teams eliminate enough of the classic defects, they may price some threat actors out of the market. 

Aren’t we doing that already?

Some software companies are already working to eliminate classes of coding error. Some have even accomplished that goal for the most common classes. But there is evidence that the industry as a whole is not making sufficient progress. In fact, many top software products fail to protect their customers from exploitation of the most common classes of defect. We read in the news about these common defects causing significant damage to companies and government agencies.

Let’s compare two documents, MITRE’s 2007 paper titled, “ Unforgivable Vulnerabilities ”, and their 2023 analysis of “ Stubborn Weaknesses ”. It would be a reasonable hope that the classes of defect from 2007 would have been eliminated and that the 2023 report would have all new classes of defect that are more expensive to exploit. We would hope that the software industry would eliminate top classes of defect every few years because doing so would increase the cost to threat actors.

Sadly, the truth is that the software industry has made inadequate progress since 2007, the year the iPhone was introduced. Of the 13 “unforgivable vulnerabilities”, most are still present in the 2023 report in one form or another. We are still plagued by classes of defect like memory unsafety, XSS, SQL injection, directory traversal, and improper input sanitization. What’s especially noteworthy is that for most of these classes of defect, we have known of ways to prevent them at scale for years, and even decades . Some damaging and costly cyber intrusions were likely preventable.

Over the past 17+ years, many software companies have prioritized fixing software defects found in customer deployments over fixing them in their product designs, thereby putting customers at risk and leading to significant real-world harms.

The CWE/CPE challenge

The above two reports rely on the Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) program, and in particular, CVE Numbering Authorities’ (CNA) commitment to provide timely, complete, and correct CVE records. Especially important to root cause analysis are the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) and Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) fields. The CWE explains the type of coding error that created the defect. The CPE provides information about product and platform naming. 

Today, some CNAs ensure CWE and CPE fields are included with all CVE records they create, but many are not as diligent. Until all CNAs and software manufacturers fully commit themselves to ensuring that their CVE records (and CWE/CPE fields) are timely, complete, and correct, we will struggle to become a data-driven industry. Incomplete or inaccurate data will keep us in the dark about the root causes of cyber intrusions and inhibit our ability to prevent them at scale. 

But we’re seeing signs of progress. Recently Microsoft announced that they would “now publish root cause data for Microsoft CVEs using the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE™) industry standard”. Their blog post is worth reading to understand their perspective. This development — and the commitment of 68 software manufacturers as part of our pledge to do the same — is exciting, and we hope all CNAs and software manufacturers follow suit. 

The next time you see a security-sensitive update for a software product, don’t focus on how the threat actors are abusing that specific coding error. Ask yourself what class of coding error it belongs to. If it belongs to one of the “unforgivable vulnerabilities” from the 2007 paper, or one of the recurring “stubborn weaknesses”, ask yourself why the software manufacturer shipped the product with that defect when systemic preventions are well-known. More importantly, ask those software companies what they are doing to eliminate that entire class of defect. As customers, we should demand that companies stop the practice of shipping defective software, and then only fixing the problems that are found in the field, often after a customer has been injured. 

The bottom line is that a secure by design software development program necessitates formal efforts to eliminate entire classes of defect before the product ships rather than playing whack-a-mole with defects that appear on customer systems in production. For the software manufacturer, a secure by design program that works to eliminate entire classes of defect is likely to be cheaper in the long run and will create a higher quality product that requires fewer emergency fixes. Such a program should be part of the company’s business strategy. For the customers, it will reduce the burden of having to apply as many urgent software updates. For our country, it will result in greater security and safety. It is the norm in other industries to perform root cause analysis and to work towards eliminating classes of defect and it is long past time for it to be the norm in the software industry.

For more information on developing software that is  secure by design , please see  CISA’s Secure by Design whitepaper . We encourage all software manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment by taking CISA’s  Secure by Design Pledge .

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