Critical Thinking Activities for Kids

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills are one of the most important things we can instill in students, and that is perhaps one of the main reasons we become teachers in the first place. At Educational Innovations, we provide tools to help you challenge and inspire your students so they will develop those skills. Hand them an Energy Tube or Energy Ball and ask them what activates the light and sound show. Place an ice cube on each of the Amazing Ice Melting Blocks at room temperature. One ice cube instantly begins to melt and is totally gone in about 90 seconds while the other ice cube shows no evidence of melting. Can your students tell you why? When the Poly Density Bottle is shaken, blue and white beads mix as expected. However, when allowed to settle, the beads separate, white at the top and blue at the bottom. Then, the two separated colored beads slowly come together in the center of the liquid. Let your students discuss theories behind this phenomenon!
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  • ZigZag Density Tumbler

    ZigZag Density Tumbler

    A hypnotizing display of surface tension, density, and insolubility.
    $7.95
  • Density Mystery Set

    Density Mystery Set

    A great lesson in scientific truth and trusting your own calculations!
    $49.95
    *Backordered: 1/27/2025
  • Who Stole the Gold? Crime Scene Kit

    Who Stole the Gold? Crime Scene Kit

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    Using evidence collected at the scene, identify the thief!
    $165.95
  • The PhiTOP

    The PhiTOP

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    Makes a perfect gift, desktop display piece, or student stumper.
    $19.95
  • The Transparent Alternator Kit

    The Transparent Alternator Kit

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    A wonderful hands-on introduction to electricity.
    $19.95–$179.95
  • Goldenrod Electrochemistry Kit

    Goldenrod Electrochemistry Kit

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    Explore the fascinating world of electrochemistry!
    $3.95
  • Static Electricity Electroscope

    Static Electricity Electroscope

    Test different materials for their static potential.
    $12.95
  • MudWatt Classroom Pack

    MudWatt Classroom Pack

    Microbiology, chemistry, and electrical engineering in one kit!
    $299.99
  • MudWatt Science Fair Pack

    MudWatt Science Fair Pack

    Use the natural micro-organisms found in soil to generate electricity.
    $89.99
  • MudWatt Classic Kit

    MudWatt Classic Kit

    Observe micro-organisms that create electricity.
    $46.95
  • Atmospheric Mat

    Atmospheric Mat

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    Dramatic introduction to the concept of air pressure!
    $23.95
  • ScooterBots

    ScooterBots

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    Teach principles of engineering and electric circuitry.
    $3.95–$65.95
  • Articulating Stomp Rocket System

    Articulating Stomp Rocket System

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    Have a blast building and launching your own rockets.
    $25.95
  • Static Spheres

    Static Spheres

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (1 review)
    Our Static Spheres are amusing and educational.
    $3.95
  • Nitinol Spring

    Nitinol Spring

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (7 reviews)
    What's so special about a piece of coiled wire? Plenty!
    $15.95
  • Energy Tube

    Energy Tube

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    So much science in this little tube!
    $9.95
  • Centripetal Spinner

    Centripetal Spinner

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (14 reviews)
    The prettiest demonstration of centripetal force we've ever seen!
    $5.75
  • Harbottle Differential Pressure Demonstration

    Harbottle Differential Pressure Demonstration

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (1 review)
    Teach about the amazing properties of air pressure.
    $23.95
  • Bacteria Growing Kits

    Bacteria Growing Kits

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    Grow your own bacteria and win the science fair!
    $11.95–$18.95
  • Dissolving Paper

    Dissolving Paper

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    Dip it in water and watch it disappear before your eyes!
    $9.95–$59.95
  • The Original SpillNot

    The Original SpillNot

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (5 reviews)
    A fabulous solution to the ubiquitous problem of spills.
    $11.95
  • Bernoulli Blaster

    Bernoulli Blaster

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (3 reviews)
    Easily demonstrate the unexpected effects of low air pressure.
    $6.95
  • The Lois McArthur Mystery: A Murder Investigation

    The Lois McArthur Mystery: A Murder Investigation

    Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon Review star icon (3 reviews)
    A scenario relating biology, chemistry & physics tools to investigations.
    $73.95
  • The Carter Creek Mystery: An Environmental Disaster

    The Carter Creek Mystery: An Environmental Disaster

    Find the nature of the contamination and locate its source.
    $79.95
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Critical Thinking Learning Materials and Activities

As teachers, we want our students to be inquisitive. But what does it mean to "think like a scientist?" A key component is critical thinking. Learning materials that help your students to actively consider information, assess the validity of data, and form their own conclusions are an ideal way to bring critical thinking into your classroom.

Whether your students are trying to figure out why the beads float at different levels in our Poly Density Kit or are wondering which scientific principles are at work with our Atmospheric Mat, these critical thinking learning materials are bound to improve their skills and understanding of scientific phenomena. We agree with the scholar who wrote, "The value of science education might not always be in the facts, but in the thinking." Get your students thinking critically with activities from Educational Innovations!