Lesson 1
We will be singing this song as part of our opening song:
If there’s a question bothering your brain That you think you know how to explain You need a test Yeah, think up a test
If it’s possible to prove it wrong You’re going to want to know before too long You’ll need a test
If somebody says they figured it out And they’re leaving any room for doubt Come up with a test Yeah, you need a test
Are you sure that that thing is true? Or did someone just tell it to you? Come up with a test
Test it out
Find a way to show what would happen If you were incorrect (Test it out)
A fact is just a fantasy Unless it can be checked Make a test Test it out
If you want to know if it’s the truth Then, my friend, you are going to need proof Come up with a test Yeah, you need a test
Don’t believe it ’cause they say it’s so If it’s not true, you have a right to know Put it to the test (put it to the test) Yeah, test it out (put it to the test) Yeah, put it to the test (put it to the test) Put it to the test (put it to the test)
Topic 1: What is Logic?
1. Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity: “experience is a better guide to this than deductive logic.”
2. A particular system or codification of the principles of proof and inference: “Aristotelian logic.”
Topic 2: What is skepticism?
Any questioning attitude towards knowledge, facts, or opinions/beliefs stated as facts.
- Discussion 1: Playground beliefs.
Has any kid ever made a claim that you found hard to believe? Have any kids made claims you later found out was not true? Have you ever made such a claim?
Skepticsm is a method of approaching life that makes you “less wrong” or able to see through these kinds of deceptions easier.
- Activity 1: Look up “Free” things online. See how they are not really free.
Topic 2: What is Critical Thinking?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iSZ3BUru59A[2]
- Activity 2: Triangle Hypothesis
A plane figure with three straight sides and three angles. Cut out a Triangle from paper. Now cut the corners off and show how it is flat on one side if you line them all up (180 degrees).
Tell them that any triangle will always line up this way if the corners are cut off.
Instruct the children to draw their own triangles and cut off the corners. Have them try to make a triangle that does not line up. Encourage kids who draw scalene or acute triangles for trying and exploring.
Once the kids have completed the activity, ask if they believe your statement more now that they have tested it. Encourage them that if they ever did find such a triangle they should immediately show the class, because it would be a very important find for mathematics.
Conclusion: By learning Logic, Skeptism and Critical Thinking, we will not be as deceived and we will live lives where we are wrong less often.