Indicators of critical thinking and physics experiments

Abstract

Abstract Critical thinking is an important skill which people use every day, together with other abilities, to evaluate and interpret information, choose criteria, make decisions or solve problems. It is considered to be essential for the life in the 21st century. Various experts agree that critical thinking is not inherent and students should have an opportunity to learn how to think critically and to develop this skill in various classes. In order to do so, teachers need to be prepared to support students’ thinking. The article summarizes indicators of critical thinking which can be used in Physics classes. The proposal of an activity where students can explore how the conductor heats up when the electric current passes through it in relation to different parameters of conductor is presented. Activity exemplifies the connection between the indicators of critical thinking and the experiments in Physics classes.