Introduction to Philosophy, Critical Thinking, and Philosophical Discussions
In this one-time class, students will learn about philosophy, critical thinking, and philosophical questioning, and then will practice these skills in an interesting class discussion.
Ronda Baker, B.Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(380)
Star Educator
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Class Topics: Critical Thinking, Philosophy, Class Discussion, Problem Solving, Student Voice and Choice SUMMARY: In this 45 minute class, students will start with a warm-up question that will require a bit of critical thinking and help to get them comfortable talking. After the warm-up activity, students will receive a lesson about critical thinking, philosophy, and philosophical thinking. Finally, the class will be presented with 5 interesting philosophical question options for our discussion. Students will vote and we will wrap up the last portion of class having a philosophical discussion. Students will receive a printable guided notes handout to complete during the lesson portion of class. My teaching style is relational, and I work hard to make sure that students feel challenged, engaged, heard, and safe to share their ideas. No prior skills or knowledge are required for this class. English Language Learners are welcome! This class is introductory, but not required, for my weekly ongoing Philosophy classes where we practice new philosophical discussions each week.
Learning Goals
Students will . . .
~learn about critical thinking
~learn how to ask philosophical questions
~practice foundational skills needed to engage in a philosophical discussion with their peers
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Philosophical Thinking and Philosophical Discussions challenge students think deeply, to question ideas, and to express opinions in a diplomatic way. The possible discussion questions are listed below. The class will vote on the question they would most like to discuss and the teacher will facilitate the discussion to ensure engagement, turn taking, and respectfulness. The teacher will not share personal ideas, philosophies, or opinions on these topics, but instead will ask driving questions.
~What if we were able to "upgrade" humans with a gene editing procedure to make super humans?
~65% of the earth is still unexplored. What if mythical creatures of legend really do exist, but we just haven't found proof yet?
~We have Teslas today. Are fully self-driving cars (where the car does it all) a good idea or a bad idea?
~Do morals and ethics, or a sense of right and wrong, exist in the animal kingdom?
~What would happen if children were the boss for a whole week?
Supply List
A one-page Guided Notes Worksheet will be provided in the classroom for printing and will be completed during the lesson portion of class.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2021
4.9
380reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Hawaii West Oahu
I have been trained in the P4C Hawaii approach to Philosophy for Children through my former school district as well as in a professional development college credit course in P4C Hawaii. As a classroom teacher, I used philosophical discussions in my classes daily with grades 4 - 6. I have observed and participated in philosophical discussions with students in grades Kindergarten through High School. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 447 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
2-8 learners per class
