What do teachers do with their class on the first day? If I was a betting man, I would say a lot of teachers run icebreakers to learn names and build a strong class culture. I run icebreakers too with my classes for the same reasons. One year, for our first day science activity, I even turned off the lights to my classroom and had students place paper bags over their heads while they meditated for 15 minutes. However, what if I want to do more with my first day science activity? What if I want students to review last year’s material and engage in scientific / critical thinking through an icebreaker too? Is there such a thing as a critical thinking icebreaker for science students?

In short, yes, a first day science activity can combine science review, critical thinking, and the “getting to know you” aspect of all icebreakers. In doing our research in critical thinking strategies, we came across one simple activity that can be used for review and be modified as an icebreaker. We outline the strategy in the post below. Handouts are available for download at the end of the post.

This-or-that: a Critical thinking icebreaker

This critical thinking exercise requires students to choose between 2 objects to describe themselves. For example, choose between the following to describe yourself: are you a hammer or a feather? In choosing between the two, you need to think about the characteristics of a hammer and a feather. And, you also need to connect those characteristics to your own personality. Thus, choosing between two options and connecting the choice to one’s personality is a creative and fun way to stretch those critical thinking muscles. In fact, I’ve used this exercise in interviews, and it always throws students off guard (in a good way, of course).

Also, instead of generating a list of random words for students to choose from, why not choose vocabulary we want to highlight? In other words, why not use this activity as a way to review important vocabulary on top of critical thinking and learning names? And, since it’s the first day of class, why not choose words students should already know from the previous year?

Hence, for my grade 8 students, I would give them the following list of words to choose from to describe themselves. For each pair, I would ask students to choose one and explain how it connects with their personality.

• Element or Compound?
• Geothermal or Solar?
• Planet or Star?
• Eye or Ear?
• Stomach or Lung?

After, I would have students share what they’ve chosen. It’s the discussion afterwards that I find most interesting and fun. When given the chance, students can surprise you with what they think.

Tips

Instead of having students choose words to describe themselves, have students choose words to describe each other. Perhaps, have 30 pairs of words for 30 students in the class, and have students choose one word to best describe each classmate. Or, have students select words that describe a friend in class.

Students can also stand up and move to different sides of the room (kind of like a debate – one side is for those who agree, the other side for those who disagree). However, instead of moving to the “Agree” or “Disagree” sides of the room, students move to the “Igneous ” or “Sedimentary” side (depending on which word describes them best).

Wrap up

Getting to know students is part of a teacher’s job description. Since we’re doing it anyways, why not try to make the most of it? Why not use a critical thinking icebreaker – obc scne where students get to know their classmates, stretch their critical thinking muscles, and review important material)? And, such a critical thinking icebreaker doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as choosing between a lost of words. Click the link below to download the handouts to this post. And, please leave a comment below and share this resource with a friend if you found it useful. Thanks!

Until next time, keep it REAL!

Resources

Handout(s): 43 – Critical Thinking Icebreaker Vocab List

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