About this resource
Students think of 20 new uses for a crayon that does not include coloring. Uses for the crayons should be well thought out and meaningful. Younger grades may come up with simpler uses, while older grades may get a bit more creative with responses. Students refine ideas and compare and contrast with others. Further discussion can center on the new ideas and if they could be considered inventions. Students can also explore whether or not the new uses solved a problem or replaced a task formerly used by something else.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Problem-Solving/Art/Science/Engineering
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s):
I. INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. D. Grow - Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: 1. Continually seeking knowledge. 2. Engaging in sustained inquiry.
I. INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. B. Create - Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes: 3. Generating products that illustrate learning.
Related STEM Area: Critical thinking & problem-solving
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
What students will do
- Students will identify 20 new uses for crayons.
- Students will compare and contrast their ideas with others.
- Students will discuss various uses for the crayons with classmates.
Explore the creative process by thinking critically and problem solving.
Resources Needed
Note-taking materials (whiteboards, chalkboards, pencil & paper), crayons for reference and experimentation.
How learning is assessed
- Students have identified 20 new uses for crayons.
- Students have compared their ideas with classmates.
- Students have discussed their ideas with classmates.