critical thinking science projects

Science Activities for Critical Thinking

Are you ready for exciting science activities? Science and engineering are puzzles. They’re like adventures. You need curiosity to dive into details. As NGSS says, it’s all about getting into the heart of things.

…students cannot fully understand scientific and engineering ideas without engaging in the practices of inquiry and the discourses by which such ideas are developed and refined. At the same time, they cannot learn or show competence in practices except in the context of specific content. (NRC Framework, 2012, p. 218)

To understand science, you need to dive in. Roll up your sleeves! Get your hands dirty with activities. So, let’s start now! Here are some of my favorite science activities for critical thinking.

Why Teach Critical Thinking?

Wondering about the importance of teaching critical thinking through analysis, engineering, and exploration? It helps students:

Understand Better: Grasp topics more easily.
Solve Problems: Improve at tackling challenges and making wise decisions.
Think Independently: Develop self-thinking, understanding, and openness to new ideas.
Communicate Effectively: Enhance speaking skills through collaborative science.
Prepare for the Future: Get ready for life’s challenges.

Each reason is crucial. Together, they highlight the need for teaching critical thinking. It profoundly impacts learners. Now, let’s explore those activities.

Activity #1: Fact Strainer Exercise

Need fast activities for your daughter? Check out Julie Bogart’s “ Raising Critical Thinkers. A Parent’s Guide to Growing Wise Kids in the Digital Age .” It’s full of challenges for parents and students.

An example? The “Fact Strainer” exercise in Chapter 2. Kids sift facts from stories. They find facts in news articles about the same event. They highlight where these facts appear, like at the beginning, middle, or end. Then, they list the facts on paper in the order they found them.

Discuss why facts are placed where they are. What was the author’s goal? The exercise teaches spotting facts first. It helps ignore the writer’s bias. Bogart’s book has even more ideas along these lines.

Activity #2: Science Buddies Activities

Imagine having a buddy who’s always up for some cool science experiments. Science Buddies has a treasure trove of fun activities. These will make you say, “Whoa, I didn’t know science could be this awesome!” Featured activities include:

Build a Paper Roller Coaster
Build a Balloon Car
Turn Milk into Plastic
Secret Messages with Invisible Ink!
Make Ice Cream in a Bag
Make a Lemon Volcano

Activity #3: Education Possible

Education Possible has a great list of Fun and Engaging Science Activities for middle school students. They prove science can be exciting! In this collection, you will find activities like making volcanoes erupt, chemical reactions, and how to create rainbow colors. With these science activities, you are in for a blast (not the explosive kind, of course!). These are split up into life science, physical science. miscellaneous, and more.

Activity #4: 55 Clever 7th Grade Science Fair Projects and Classroom Experiments

Think your students are too young? These projects work for any grade. You might become a star science fair facilitator. Here are my top ten favorite activities from this article:

Balloon-Powered Car: Build a balloon-driven car. Test its speed.
Geodesic Dome: Use newspaper and tape to construct a sturdy dome.
Solar Oven: Create an oven that cooks with the sun. Learn about energy.
Spherify Drinks: Turn drinks into tiny balls. A chemistry experiment.
Purify Water with Charcoal: See how charcoal filters water.
Wave Machine: Make a simple machine to understand waves.
Water Clock: Build an ancient-style clock. Watch how it measures time.
DIY Barometer: Construct a barometer. Predict weather changes.
Hydraulic Power: Explore hydraulics. Create your hydraulic device.
Grow and Experiment with Crystals: Learn about crystals. Grow them yourself.

Given those cool activities, which would you try first?

Activity #5: Little Bins for Little Hands Science Experiments

Get ready to find wonders with everyday items. Additional science activities on this site feature chemistry , earth sciences , physics , and STEM . You and your students can create amazing things. From their website, here’s a supermarket supply list:

Mason jars, plastic bottles, baking soda, salt, vinegar, zip-top bags, rubber bands, glue, hydrogen peroxide, food coloring (optional), and other common items. These make science easy for everyone.

Using such materials brings science closer to students. Involve your whole school in collecting these supplies.

But wait, there’s more!

Explore over 60 science activities and videos! It’s like a science museum in your hands. Don’t miss this chance to turn learning into an adventure! Which activity will you try out first?

Miguel Guhlin

Transforming teaching, learning and leadership through the strategic application of technology has been Miguel Guhlin’s motto. Learn more about his work online at blog.tcea.org , mguhlin.org , and mglead.org /mglead2.org. Catch him on Mastodon @[email protected] Areas of interest flow from his experiences as a district technology administrator, regional education specialist, and classroom educator in bilingual/ESL situations. Learn more about his credentials online at mguhlin.net.

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7 Science Project Ideas for School Students

September 7, 2023

Science projects for school students are more than just educational exercises; they are gateways to curiosity and hands-on learning for students. By engaging in these projects, students get a chance to explore scientific concepts firsthand, fostering critical thinking and creativity. In this blog, we present seven captivating science project ideas that will spark curiosity and open new doors of exploration for young minds. These projects will ignite the passion for science and inspire students to become lifelong learners. Let’s dive into the world of science and embark on an exciting journey of discovery.

1. Robotic Hand Science Project

This versatile project offers numerous opportunities for creativity and innovation. Challenge your students to construct the model or inspire them to brainstorm ways to enhance the design further. Encourage them to explore possibilities like developing a hand capable of picking up a ball or delicately plucking a piece of string. With endless avenues for improvement and customization, this project will foster ingenuity and problem-solving skills in your students, leading to an array of exciting possibilities.

2. Soil Doctor Science Project using Arduino

Soil Doctor using Arduino: Read Full Procedure Here

The Soil Doctor science project assists farmers in choosing the right crops for changing environmental conditions with two models. Model 1: Uses pH and humidity sensors to provide soil insights and adjust pH for crop selection. Model 2: Optimizes irrigation by monitoring soil moisture and automatically controlling water delivery, reducing manual work and promoting efficient water usage.

3. AutoHang: AI Rainy Season Garment Protector

AI Rainy Season Garment Protector: Read Full Procedure Here

AutoHang science project for school student is an intelligent rainy season hanger equipped with ultrasonic water sensors to detect rain. When rain is sensed, the hanger retracts inside the window through a motorized mechanism, ensuring clothes are protected. The project was coded using PictoBlox, Arduino UNO, and a servo motor, while communication between evive and Arduino was facilitated with the Dabble extension. The physical model was created using materials like cardboard, thermocol stickers, clay, and uncoloured paper.

4. Creating a Circuit for Ripeness Detection in Produce

Impress at the science fair with this remarkable project! Construct a circuit capable of distinguishing between colourers and put it to use in identifying ripe tomatoes. All the necessary supplies, including a multimeter, jumper wire kit, and battery holder, can be conveniently found on Amazon. Get ready to showcase your ingenuity and skills in this exciting experiment.

5. QuarkDrive: Intelligent Mobility Solution Using Quarky

Quarky Smart Car: Read Full Procedure Here

A Cutting-Edge Mobility Solution for Smart Cities. This project showcases a simulated smart city with essential services like schools, cafes, and hospitals on a map. The focal point is an AI-powered smart car that navigates the city safely, fulfilling people’s transport needs while obeying traffic signals and evading obstacles. After each trip, the car autonomously heads to a charging station for recharging, ensuring continuous efficiency.

6. Rube Goldberg Machine Science Project for 8th Grade

Craft an elaborate machine to accomplish a straightforward task in the most intricate manner possible. This captivating science project offers a delightful way to apply various physics concepts while indulging in creativity and fun.

7. Electromagnet STEM Project

Creating an electromagnet is an engaging and educational project, perfect for teaching students about electricity and magnetism. They can easily make their electromagnet by wrapping a wire around a metal object, like an iron nail or screw, and connecting it to a battery. A fun and hands-on way to explore the wonders of science.

In a Nutshell

These 7 science project ideas offer a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in hands-on learning and exploration. From building a robotic hand to creating an intelligent garment protector to developing an electromagnet, each project ignites curiosity and fosters critical thinking. Additionally, exploring the realms of AI-powered mobility solutions, and ripeness detection in production opens doors to exciting possibilities in science and technology.

By engaging in these projects, students not only learn valuable skills but also develop a passion for lifelong learning. So, let’s encourage young minds to embrace the wonders of science and embark on an exciting journey of discovery.

Also Read: 10 Easy AI and ML Project for Students and Beginners