About this resource
This thinking challenge asks students to think of 10 new uses for a lollipop that does not include eating. Uses for the lollipops 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.
Modifications for All Learners: Verbal and written directions should be given. Developing a prototype of one of their ideas may challenge students further. For fun, let the students eat the lollipops when the activity is over.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Science/Math
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s):
V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. D. Grow - Learners develop through experience and reflection by: 1. Iteratively responding to challenges. C. Share - Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular relevance. B. Create - Learners construct new knowledge by: 1. Problem solving through cycles of design, implementation, and reflection.
Related STEM Area: Critical thinking & problem-solving
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. 3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
What students will do
- Students will identify 10 new uses for a lollipop other than eating.
- Students will think critically about how these new uses solved a problem or replaced a task formerly used by something else.
- Students will discuss their ideas with classmates.
Explore the creative process by thinking critically and problem solving.
Resources Needed
Note-taking materials (whiteboards, chalkboards, pencil & paper), lollipops for reference.
How learning is assessed
- Students have identified 10 new uses for a lollipop other than eating.
- Students have identified if/how their ideas solved a problem or replaced a task formerly used by something else.
- Students have discussed their ideas with classmates.