Australian outfit Bridge8 and animator James Houston have collaborated to create a series of six engaging videos, each approximately 2 minutes long, that delve into various aspects of critical thinking. These videos are specifically designed to target two age groups: children aged 8-10 and teenagers aged 13-15.
Topics Covered in the Videos
The videos cover a wide range of topics essential for developing critical thinking skills. These include the basics of logic, which help viewers understand how to construct and deconstruct arguments effectively. The scientific method is also explored, providing a foundational understanding of how scientific inquiry works and why it is essential for discovering truths about the world. Additionally, the videos delve into psychological pitfalls such as the Gambler’s Fallacy and confirmation bias. The Gambler’s Fallacy is the mistaken belief that past random events affect the probabilities in future random events, while confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions.
Though these videos are primarily designed for school-aged children, they also offer valuable insights for adults. The content is presented in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, making it easy for viewers of all ages to grasp complex concepts. The videos adopt a 1950s animation style, reminiscent of the work of Saul Bass, which adds a nostalgic yet timeless quality to the educational material.
Educational Resources and Licensing
These films are part of a broader initiative to promote the educational resources on critical thinking provided by TechNYou. TechNYou is a public information project funded by the Australian government, aimed at enhancing public understanding of science and technology. The videos are a blend of Minute Physics, Dot and Line, and 60-Second Adventures in Thought, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about critical thinking.
One of the standout features of these videos is that they are released under a Creative Commons License. This means that they can be freely shared and used, provided that appropriate credit is given, and they are not used for commercial purposes. This open-access approach ensures that the valuable lessons contained within these videos can reach a broad audience, furthering the goal of improving critical thinking skills across different demographics.
The importance of critical thinking cannot be overstated. In an age where information is abundant and not always reliable, the ability to think critically is crucial. These videos serve as an excellent resource for anyone looking to sharpen their critical thinking skills. They provide practical tools and examples that can help viewers learn how to analyze information, recognize logical fallacies, and make well-informed decisions.
For educators, these videos can be an invaluable addition to the classroom. They offer a visually appealing and concise way to introduce students to the principles of critical thinking. Parents can also use these videos as a fun and educational activity to do with their children, fostering an environment of curiosity and learning at home.
Now, if you need someone to learn how to defend themselves against bad logic, just refer them to these videos, and they should be well-equipped to handle any logical fallacies they encounter. Click on the link below to watch the other videos and further explore the world of critical thinking.
Source: Brainpickings
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