Think Tank Club: 8~12세를 위한 비판적 사고 및 문제 해결 활동

Think Tank Club provides fun and interactive challenges to engage problem solving, critical thinking, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and communication skills. 

Each session will focus on different type of Think Tank questions/challenges such as "Would you rather? " or "What if?" problems, virtual escape rooms, mysteries, mock trials, debates, STEM projects, and and other special thinking challenges that require a creative solution. Topics will be learner-directed and/or dictated weekly based on interest and to current events and happenings. This will increase student interest and help each topic to be more relevant to students.

Class focus alternates weekly to include group collaboration or individual challenges. Activities may include:
1. "Would you rather" or "What if" debate-style questions are presented to the class. The class is then divided into two teams with each team assigned a specific side of the question to defend. The teams will work in breakout rooms to discuss solutions to the problem. Each team member contributes ideas. Teams will then rejoin the main room. Teams will take turns presenting their responses to the topic question and earning points for their team. 

2. Mysteries - Individuals or teams work to use their best critical thinking skills to analyze clues to solve a mystery.

3. Virtual escape rooms - Learners use a range of problem solving skills to solve virtual puzzles to unlock padlocks to escape from one virtual room to another until they 

4. Mock trials - Learners use evidence presented to defend or prosecute fictional trial cases. They will question witnesses to find supporting information for their side of the case.

5. Challenge thinks - individuals or teams develop a creative solution to a challenging problem. For example, learners develop a bridge structure through folding paper to hold as much weight as possible.

Every class stands on its own with no outside class preparation needed. As an ongoing class, learners can join or leave the club at any point. The focus of each class is to practice social skills, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and sportsmanship in a fun setting. This is especially helpful for students who struggle with shyness and social anxiety.