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Critical Thinking: Survival 6-9

In this ongoing class, students will be given a scenario and a list of everyday items to think critically about how they can be used for survival. This class encourages social skills and critical thinking.
Kristen Mercurio- Science & Critical thinking
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(852)
Class
Play

What's included

1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

At the beginning of each class, we will review what survival skills are and how/why they are important. 
Each week students will be given a different scenario and a different list of tools/ objects.
I will set a timer to allow students to independently brainstorm ideas of how to use each tool in the given scenario in order to survive. 

This helps students begin to develop critical thinking skills and view objects/tools in new ways.

Location each week:
Week of f April 9-Class1: Deserted Island
Week of April 16-Class 2: Abandon boat
Week of April 23- Class 3: Top of Mount Fuji 
Week of April 30- Class 4: Antarctica 
Week of May 7- Class 5: Rainforest
Week of May 14- Class 6: Desert 



Students will be given 3-4 tools each week that could potentially help them survive in the provided locations. After the time is up, we will take turns sharing our answers. After each of the students has shared their answers we will brainstorm other ideas for the tools, talk about if the tools would be even more useful if we had ONE or TWO other tools to accompany our given tools, and students will be reminded to think critically in and out of the classroom. 

** This class is similar to a board game where you roll a dice and receive a letter and have to think of items in categories that start with that letter. Only, students will be given a location and several tools and brainstorm how many ways they can use those objects to survive in the given location**

My teaching style is fun, engaging, and student-centered. I enjoy adding animations, pictures, audio, videos, and tangible examples for students to remain engaged. I encourage and promote class discussion (both verbally and in the chatbox features)


Missed class policy: I do not readily offer makeups or refunds for missed lessons, as I do not have the availability in my schedule to accommodate that for all students. The class videos will post to the class wall approximately 20-30 minutes after the live class has ended. Students who missed class can watch the video and use it to take notes. They can also email me with any questions they have about the material. The videos are also appropriate for students that want to review the material again after the live meeting. 

If another section is available for transfer and the missed class was an emergency or unexpected event, I will try to accommodate. However, students enrolling in class hold a seat that another student could have reserved. I keep my classes small to encourage and promote social interaction and only a few sections are available for each course. 

If I cancel a class due to weather, low enrollment, or an emergency, I will refund parents immediately. 

Low enrollments- if the class does not meet the minimum number of students, I will email parents to ask if they would prefer a transfer or a refund. If I do not hear back from parents, I will try to transfer students into a comparable class (time/day of the week) or refund. 
This class is intended to encourage critical thinking and social interaction, without the minimum number of students enrolled, students would not be able to socialize with their peers.
Learning Goals
Students will generate ideas and address questions that will guide inquiry and critical thinking
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Paper, pencil
I will also provide a word document that can be printed (optional) 
It is not necessary for students to print out the document. It will list the items we will be critically thinking about each class period. If the student does not have access to a printer, they can simply use a piece of paper and pencil OR a whiteboard and marker. 

No physical materials other than paper/pencil are required. This is a critical thinking class and learners will not actually be using the materials/sources but rather thinking about HOW they can use them.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
5.0
852reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Kentucky Teaching Certificate
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Florida Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Florida Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Florida Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master's Degree in Education from Walden University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Florida Gulf Coast University
Associate's Degree from Edison College
I have classes pertaining to science, reading/ ELA, life skills, geography and social studies. 

However, I also teach social skills, preparing students for the workforce, anger and stress management, environmental causes, vegan and gluten-free lifestyle, cooking, gardening, sustainable lifestyle, and life/ confidence coaching. 

M.Ed.,  M. Psych., & M. Business 
Education:
Associate's- Legal Studies from Edison College
Bachelors- Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University 
Masters- Special Education from Walden University 
Masters Certification- Psychology with an emphasis on life coaching from Grand Canyon University 
Masters- Business Leadership and Organization from Western Governors University 
I have also completed doctorate-level classes in the field of psychology with a focus on emotional and behavioral disorders for school-aged children. 

Educational certifications in Florida and Kentucky: Special Education K-12, Elementary Education K-6, English 5-9, Physical Education K-12, Reading endorsement, ESOL/ ESL/ELL endorsement 

I have taught at Kagan and Cambridge schools. I have completed numerous Kagan certification courses. Most of my time teaching in public education was in low-income schools, high-risk students, emotional/behavioral disorders, and international schools. 

In addition to the above certification areas, I have also taught:
Biology (general education, special education, and advanced placement)
Social / Personal skills
Algebra/ Pre-Algebra
Gifted 

I have served as a teacher leader and coach for new teachers, reading coach for students and teachers, and case manager for students with IEPs. 

Vocational certificates/ training: 
Correctional Officer Academy- state of Florida and Texas, state exams/certification

Other Certifications: 
Reiki Practioner
Life Coaching
Health coaching

Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a correctional officer. I completed two training academies and license exams. I worked in adult male facilities in both Florida and Texas.

I also teach ESOL (English as a second language) to students and adults living around the world. 
I have served as a judge for Thomas Alva Edison's Science and Research Fairs.

My teaching style is heavily influenced by my background in psychology, working with individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders, and appealing to the unique needs and interests of all students. I believe classes should be interactive and fun, leaving students with memorable experiences. When students are excited and intrigued by new information and learning, they develop a love for learning. In my classroom, I want all students to feel safe, excited, appreciated, valued, and understood. 

I am very active in my community! I started a Pin-up group in my area in order to embrace the vintage clothing style and encourage other women to get involved in community outreach. The group has over 40 female members and we devote a great deal of time to volunteering for local non-profits in our community. Additionally, many of us have been published in magazines (Yes! Including me!) I help promote community service/ outreach and encourage women to get their children involved in our community events as well! 

Additionally, I have owned and operated my own businesses while teaching full-time. 

While living in Florida, I owned and operated a pet sitting/ boarding business. I had over 200 customers and cared for their dogs, cats, horses, donkey, goats, chickens, and many other animals. I am a HUGE animal lover! 

Both of my dogs are rescues and I am actively involved with community service work that serves to protect and care for animals. 

Through my personal business, I offer  Reiki services, life/ health, and confidence coaching to adults and children. I am a contracted life coach, life coach blogger, and served as an editor for a non-profit life coaching organization and serve on the board of directors as the secretary and fill-in Vice President.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$8

weekly
1x per week
25 min

Completed by 82 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
3-5 learners per class

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