Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this quick warm-up that sharpens critical thinking, students wrestle with moral and ethical questions—while also gaining communication and writing skills.
“When questions have no answer, [students] struggle,” says Fairview High School teacher Benjamin Barbour, who teaches history and government. One of his go-to bell ringer activities, Flash Philosophy, encourages kids to wrestle with tough questions— particularly moral or ethical ones—and is a good warm-up activity to sharpen critical thinking skills. “I like to push them to make them a little uncomfortable in a safe environment.”
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#communicationskills #criticalthinking #socialstudies #socialhistory
© 2025 George Lucas Educational Foundation
In this quick warm-up that sharpens critical thinking, students wrestle with moral and ethical questions—while also gaining communication and writing skills.
“When questions have no answer, [students] struggle,” says Fairview High School teacher Benjamin Barbour, who teaches history and government. One of his go-to bell ringer activities, Flash Philosophy, encourages kids to wrestle with tough questions— particularly moral or ethical ones—and is a good warm-up activity to sharpen critical thinking skills. “I like to push them to make them a little uncomfortable in a safe environment.”
Find the full collection of 60-second strategies for every grade level at Edutopia: edut.to/3Rm2M2j
Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh
*Follow us here:*
Official Website: edutopia.org
YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia
Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia
Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/edutopia.org
#communicationskills #criticalthinking #socialstudies #socialhistory
© 2025 George Lucas Educational Foundation
