Critical and Creative Thinking Camp (2-week version)
In this fun and engaging course, students will solve puzzles, be tasked with answering complex questions about unusual situations, and best of all, challenged to build unique projects by thinking outside of the box.
"Mr. J." (Jeremy Ballard)
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(99)
Popular
What's included
6 live meetings
8 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. One project will be assigned as homework on the first day of class and is to be completed by the last day of class. For this project, students will be asked to build a marble roller coaster using paper. Specific guidelines will be provided. The remaining assignments will typically be finished in class; however, in some instances students may be allotted more time to finish on their own.Class Experience
*Please note that this class is offered in three formats: 1-week, 2-weeks, or 6-weeks. Classes are scheduled for an hour and 25 minutes. Class is officially over as scheduled and students are free to leave; however, often students may prefer to stay longer to continuing working or discussing. This is completely optional, but I have allowed an extra 30 minutes in my schedule to accommodate this when needed. Assignments in this course can be completed individually but, are often more fun with partners or groups; therefore, siblings are welcome, encouraged and discounted (first learner $42, additional learners $25). In this course students will be tasked with a variety of challenges requiring critical and creative thinking in order to succeed, and to some extent, competing a little with each other along the way. Each class will begin with some short exercises or questions, such as brainteasers, logic puzzles, etc (about 20-30 minutes), then, the final hour will be spent on a daily building challenge. In these challenges, students will be asked to build something specific with specific and limited supplies, such as a tower or a ship. These supplies are crucial, so be sure to see the supply list and make sure all items are on hand. The requirements and the supply limits require students to think outside of the box in order to achieve their goal. (Think of projects like the egg drop challenge, though we won't be doing that one). Most of these projects will also force students to compete against a clock; however, there are a few exceptions. There are five of these building style projects during the first five days, and one homework project, a roller coaster, that students will work on their own and complete by the final day of class. During the sixth and final day of class, students will first present their roller coaster projects, then will work together to solve a murder mystery (simmer to a dinner party format). All supplies in this course, or reasonable substitutions, are required and necessary. While the list is long, most of the supplies are affordable and often easily found around the house. In addition to the supplies listed, students will also need a dedicated workspace that can be seen during class with the video camera. Using a laptop or tablet is recommended due to portability. A note on multiple learners: multiple learners are welcome but do require separate enrollment. They are, however, allowed to share the screen as long as they are both enrolled. In the event of multiple learners, learners may choose to work individually on projects or together as a team. It is entirely up to them. Day 1 Brainteasers Tower 1: "Note cards" Day 2 Stranded on an island "Recycled Ship" Day 3 Toothpick puzzles Tower 2: "Spaghetti" Day 4 Lunar Landing "Alien space pod" Day 5 Logic Puzzles Tower 3: "Balloons" Day 6 Roller Coaster presentations Murder Mystery
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners will need to cut some cardboard and paper, especially when they are building their roller coasters. That will be done independently, so they may need some supervision or assistance, especially if they are cutting thick cardboard. In class, they shouldn't be cutting much more than paper, but kids always can find new ways to surprise me. Some might also want to use a glue gun for their roller coaster, which they can do if you will let them, and if they are anything like me, they will burn their fingers together, but it sounds worse than it feels. You know your kids better than I do, so if they are accident prone, make sure you're there to watch and help as needed. Everything else is pretty safe and basic. The candle won't be lit, so there is no fire, and hopefully no one chokes on a mini marshmallow or pokes their eye out with a spaghetti noodle.
Supply List
Basic Supplies (including roller coaster): Lots of paper and cardboard glue tape (be sure to have a few rolls, maybe even different types) rubber bands (10 or so should be enough) scissors (an exacto knife is optional at parents' discretion) measuring tape large marble, metal sphere, and/or ping pong ball Daily Project Supplies (Not listed in any particular order. Students should have all of these available and handy everyday) 2 packages of index cards (3 x 5, 200 total) 20 plastic straws 6 paper or plastic cups (8-12 ounces) 1 bottle of water (12-16oz) 30 standard balloons, plus 20 of different sizes-50 total (make sure your learner knows how to tie a balloon) 1 regular package of spaghetti 1 bag of mini marshmallows (we won't use all of them, so you can eat the rest later) 1 bag of regular marshmallows (we won't use all of these either, you can also substitute either of these with soft, light clay) 1 piece of foil (12in x 12 in) 1 bottle of nail polish 5 pieces of chewing gum 1 candle stick
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2022
4.8
99reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of California Santa Barbara
Credentialed teacher with almost 20 years of experience in education. Certified AP English teacher, forensics coach (speech and debate), with an extensive background in drama. I have taught in multiple states in the U.S. and spent three years teaching in China. I am traveler, chef, poet, and storyteller, specializing in writing instruction, literary analysis, creative projects, and above all, building student teacher relationships.Reviews
Live Group Class
$42
for 6 classes3x per week, 2 weeks
85 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
3-12 learners per class
