Developing Critical Thinking at Home

Parents can foster critical thinking at home by asking questions that lack a single correct answer.  The questions should be asked casually as part of a conversation, rather than a quizzing manner.
If you child is interested in social issues, then engage him or her in thoughtful discussions about them.  The personality and interests of children are the keys in interacting with them and addressing critical thinking at home. 
Parents can demonstrate critical thinking by pondering aloud the most efficient way to do household chores considering the most economical purchase to make at the grocery store, monitoring your progress toward your personal goals, or approaching social issues in your community.  Describing how you think and solve problems is the best way for you to instill similar thinking patterns in your children.
Children are naturally inquisitive and with encouragement they can develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives.  It only takes time and encouragement.

Family event features hands-on exploration activities with Earth and space scientists

WHAT
ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration's annual Earth and Space Exploration Day - This annual event, hosted by Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration, has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years. Staffed by the school's faculty, researchers and students, the event is an opportunity for children and the general public to engage with scientists and researchers one-on-one or in small group settings. Earth and Space Exploration Day is one of the school's most visible efforts to increase science literacy in Arizona.

WHEN
Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE
Arizona State University Tempe campus - Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV (ISTB 4) - located on the corner of McAllister Ave. and Terrace Rd.

WEBSITE
http://sese.asu.edu/earth-and-space-exploration-day

DETAILS
Earth and Space Exploration day is a free annual fall event hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) on ASU's Tempe campus inside/outside ISTB 4. The SESE community offers special science-related activities from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for students age five and up, families, educators and anyone interested in exploring Earth and space alongside real scientists. One of the biggest attractions is ISTB 4 with its Gallery of Scientific Exploration offering a variety of interactive exhibits and the Marston Exploration Theater, which will be running 3-D astronomy shows throughout the day. Visitors can see a replica of Curiosity rover, explore Tempe Butte on a guided field trip, pan for gold, watch science demos, dig for meteorites, bring rock samples for Dr. Rock to examine and so much more! Dr. Rock will be available to analyze rock samples and children are encouraged to bring samples from their backyard for analysis.

A list of activities is available on the event's website:
http://sese.asu.edu/earth-and-space-exploration-day.

Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure that visitors are able to secure tickets for the astronomy shows and other ticketed activities. Public parking is free in any ASU lot south of University Avenue on Nov. 10. The most convenient parking is available in the Rural Road parking structure (#4) on Lemon St. and Rural Rd., and the Tyler Street parking structure (#2) on the corner of Tyler Street and McAlister. A parking map is available at: www.asu.edu/map.

Practices for Advance Learning

Classroom Practices for Advancing Learning

 

¨ Create an open environment

¨ Use flexible instructional groups

¨ Include multiple approaches to information

¨ Use multiple learning modes

¨ Be aware of student strengths

¨ Use humor (not sarcasm)

¨ Draw on multiple and varied resources

¨ Build an inquisitive atmosphere

¨ Encourage acceptance of  diversity (in people and ideas)

¨ Provide independent and small group instruction

¨ Teach and use research skills

Higher Level Thinking

· Encourage students to challenge what they read and write about it.

· Ask students if they can think of a “new way” or combine two products to create a “new product”

· Suggest that students self-evaluate what they learned from their project before they turn it in for grading

· Focus on giving students open ended tasks that require them to think about what might come next.

Night at the Museum (Musical Instrument Museum)

 

Celebrate Phoenix Elementary Night at the Musical Instrument Museum!

Click here for additional information.