Critical thinking in Grade 8 helps students analyze information, question assumptions, and make reasoned decisions. Through inquiry, they ask why claims are made, how evidence supports arguments, and what alternatives exist. Instead of only accepting information, learners practice evaluating sources, testing ideas, and reflecting on outcomes. Activities such as debates, problem-solving tasks, and group discussions encourage students to think independently and collaborate effectively. By exploring real-world issues, they connect logic with creativity and develop habits of open-mindedness, curiosity, and fairness. Critical thinking becomes a tool for school success, personal growth, and active participation in society.
🟢 Starter
- Define critical thinking.
- List three examples of everyday decisions.
- Write three questions to ask when solving a problem.
- Compare facts and opinions.
- Write three examples of evidence.
- Create a short paragraph about making a choice.
- List three strategies for clear thinking.
- Write two sentences about why questioning is important.
- Reflect: why do people need reasons for their ideas?
- List three examples of reliable sources.
- Write three examples of misleading statements.
- Compare guessing and reasoning.
- Write a reflection on how thinking helps in school.
- Create a sentence using “because.”
- List three examples of logical steps.
- Write a paragraph about solving a simple problem.
- Compare open-mindedness and stubbornness.
- Write three examples of fair decisions.
- Reflect: how does asking questions improve learning?
- Create a two-sentence example of problem solving.
🟡 Practice
- Write a paragraph on why evidence matters.
- Create a chart comparing strong and weak arguments.
- Research how scientists test ideas.
- Write a reflection on how teamwork supports thinking.
- Compare assumptions and conclusions.
- Write three strategies for analyzing information.
- Create a short debate about a school issue.
- Research how journalists check facts.
- Write a persuasive paragraph about honesty in arguments.
- Compare quick decisions and careful decisions.
- Write a reflection on how emotions affect choices.
- Create a project about evaluating advertisements.
- Write three examples of critical thinking in daily life.
- Research how critical thinking helps in careers.
- Write a paragraph on how to avoid bias.
- Compare problem solving in math and real life.
- Write a reflection on how listening improves thinking.
- Create a role-play about making fair decisions.
- Write three questions to analyze a news story.
- Reflect: how does critical thinking build independence?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on the importance of critical thinking.
- Research how philosophers questioned knowledge.
- Debate: is it possible to think without bias?
- Create a project about critical thinking in history.
- Research how critical thinking affects science discoveries.
- Write a reflection on how to deal with misinformation.
- Compare logical reasoning and creative thinking.
- Write a persuasive essay about teaching critical thinking in schools.
- Research how propaganda influences decisions.
- Write a poem about questioning the world.
- Debate: should students always challenge teachers?
- Create a guide for identifying false claims.
- Write a reflection on how critical thinking builds confidence.
- Research how technology changes decision-making.
- Compare individual thinking and group decisions.
- Write an essay on how critical thinking supports democracy.
- Create a project about critical thinking in literature.
- Research how detectives use reasoning.
- Write a short story where critical thinking solves a problem.
- Propose three new ways to strengthen critical thinking at school.