Technology and information are expanding at unprecedented rates, opening up new opportunities that require skill sets and approaches that we didn’t foresee. Amongst these, critical thinking has emerged as one of the most essential. It allows learners to navigate the vast array of information, make informed decisions, and approach problems logically and creatively. It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about developing the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to make reasoned judgments.
Critical thinking is the process of objectively analyzing information to make reasoned judgments. It goes beyond memorizing facts or solving problems with simple answers. Instead, critical thinking encourages learners to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore multiple perspectives before arriving at a conclusion. Strawbees has been designed to not only match this criteria, but actively encourage it.
In STEM/STEAM education, critical thinking becomes even more vital. It requires learners to connect science, technology, engineering, mathematics and art to solve complex problems. Whether it’s developing a new design or understanding a concept in physics, critical thinking is the tool that enables learners to think independently and make informed decisions.
At its core, it involves gathering information, evaluating evidence, and applying logical reasoning. It is a skill that equips learners to better handle the challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives.
Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that empowers learners to adapt and innovate. The role of STEM/STEAM education is not just to teach learners about technical subjects but to encourage them to think critically about how these subjects interconnect and apply to real-world problems.
For example, in a project where learners build a crane or tower using Strawbees connectors, they must think critically about the structure’s stability and design. They learn to ask important questions like: Is the structure strong enough? How can I improve its balance? This process helps them understand that critical thinking is not just a skill for academic tasks but is essential for practical problem-solving.
In STEM/STEAM education critical thinking can encourage exploration and open-ended inquiry. Learners are not just given answers—they are taught how to approach a problem, ask meaningful questions, and seek out solutions. By thinking critically, learners gain the confidence to tackle challenges in innovative ways.
A key element of critical thinking is the ability to question the information presented. In an age where misinformation and half-truths are rampant, teaching learners to develop a healthy skepticism is crucial. This doesn’t mean being cynical, but rather teaching them to look for evidence before accepting a claim as true.
In STEM/STEAM classrooms, learners are often given projects where they must conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions. These activities are designed to teach them how to evaluate evidence critically. For instance, when creating a robotic structure, learners might be asked to test its functionality under different conditions, assess its weaknesses, and refine the design based on their observations. This kind of hands-on learning encourages a skeptical mindset that seeks out evidence and avoids taking information at face value.
The ability to question, probe, and dig deeper is what separates rote learning from true critical thinking. By instilling this mindset in learners, we prepare them to approach future problems with curiosity and intellectual rigor.
Critical thinking is a powerful tool in problem-solving. It encourages learners to break down complex problems, analyze them from multiple angles, and come up with creative solutions. This is especially important in STEM/STEAM, where interdisciplinary approaches are often required to tackle issues.
In a STEM/STEAM setting, learners are often given open-ended projects that challenge them to think beyond the obvious. For example, in designing a solar powered machine with Strawbees, learners must consider various factors like motion, stability, and efficiency. They learn that solving such problems isn’t about finding a single correct answer but about using critical thinking to explore various solutions.
This process teaches that failure is not a setback but a learning opportunity. When an idea doesn’t work as expected, learners are encouraged to reflect on why it failed and what changes could be made to improve it. This iterative process of trial and error is a key component of critical thinking, leading to deeper understanding and more robust solutions.
As we look toward the future, the importance of critical thinking will only grow. In a world driven by technological advancements and global challenges, learners need to be equipped with the skills to think independently, evaluate information, and innovate.
Critical thinking prepares learners for a future where they will encounter problems we can’t yet foresee. By integrating critical thinking into STEM/STEAM education, we help learners become adaptable and resilient. They are better prepared to face complex challenges, whether they are designing new technologies, solving environmental issues, or leading teams in innovative industries.
Critical thinking doesn’t just make learners better problem solvers—it makes them better learners. It teaches them to approach learning as a dynamic process, one that requires constant questioning, reflection, and growth.
In the 21st century, critical thinking is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Through STEM/STEAM education, learners are not just acquiring knowledge in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics—they are developing the critical thinking skills that will enable them to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
Based off learnings from: Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children (Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, 2016)