One of the basic principles of creativity is that it often entails looking at something in a new way. Flexible thinking can help us look at something from another person’s point of view, from another angle, with another purpose, or in another form. One way we can help students think flexibly is by asking them … Continue reading
Warning! The Scale of the Universe is addictive. You may have trouble pulling yourself away from this fascinating exploration of size, scale, and relationships. It takes a moment to load, but once it does, it presents items in order of size, from quantum foam at 1X10-35 meters, past microbes, ants, giant earthworms, the Titanic, and … Continue reading
Today I welcome guest blogger Holli Weaver. When she told me about this activity I just knew it needed to be shared, so I’m thrilled that she was willing to step in to the guest-blogger role. So, with thanks, here’s Holli. During a unit on Earth Science, my third graders engaged in a creative project … Continue reading
I love TED. I love it because when I have a few free minutes I can learn about no end of fascinating things. But I love it even more because sometimes TED brings me moments of mind-boggling delight. Here is one of them. It is a human kaleidoscope celebrating the “Power of X” to multiply … Continue reading
It’s April already–let the (real) spring begin! Spring brings thoughts of growing things and, for many, the health of planet earth. With Earth Day coming up, it’s time to think about incorporating creativity in solving some of our earth’s many problems. The Earth Day Network’s educator site has lots of materials for Earth Day, including … Continue reading
“There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words.” Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J. K. Rowling A strange thing happened to me on the way to planning a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. In my search for information on … Continue reading
Aren’t bookstores just the best places? There’s a new adventure (and a new lesson) everywhere you look. I tend to plan a lot of lessons using children’s books, largely picture books. This is because I believe in an important principle: Picture books are not just for children. Good picture books share important ideas in succinct … Continue reading
Ever wish you could be part of those TV investigations, solving major crimes with stray hairs and chewed gum? Today’s lesson suggestion is for all the CSI fans out there. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences, in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association, has created a free set of materials called Forensics in the … Continue reading
March 2014 When I looked back on this post from March 2012 I thought it was worth bringing out again. Ireland has such a rich and beautiful culture. Enjoy! Happy March! This month I have a special request. As the granddaughter of Irish immigrants, I’m perpetually frustrated by school St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Our elementary … Continue reading
Today I want to talk about flexible thinking, looking at a situation from many perspectives–and doing it through vehicles that may not immediately spring to mind when you think about creativity: editorials, debate, and The New York Times. Sometimes teachers (and others) think about critical and creative thinking as opposites—two sides of a coin. This … Continue reading
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