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Skill Sharpeners: Critical Thinking, Grade 5 Workbook


Synopsis


Evan-Moor Corporation

Summary

Chapter 1: Identifying Main Ideas and Supporting Details

* Summary: Teaches students to locate the main idea of a paragraph and identify supporting details that provide evidence or examples.
* Example: Paragraph: "The Amazon rainforest is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Over 1,000 bird species, 1,000 fish species, and 4,000 plant species make their home in this diverse ecosystem."
* Main Idea: The Amazon rainforest has a rich biodiversity.
* Supporting Details:
* Over 1,000 bird species
* 1,000 fish species
* 4,000 plant species

Chapter 2: Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

* Summary: Guides students in drawing logical conclusions and inferences from given information.
* Example: Information: "The new teacher was strict and had high expectations for her students."
* Inference: The new teacher will likely challenge her students academically.

Chapter 3: Classifying and Categorizing

* Summary: Introduces the concept of classifying and grouping items based on their common characteristics.
* Example: Group the following: apple, banana, orange, strawberry, watermelon
* Categories:
* Fruits
* Berries (strawberry, watermelon)

Chapter 4: Analyzing Cause and Effect

* Summary: Teaches students to identify causes and effects in situations and events.
* Example: Situation: A student studies for a test.
* Cause: Studying for the test
* Effect: Scoring well on the test

Chapter 5: Comparing and Contrasting

* Summary: Helps students identify similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
* Example: Comparing two cars:
* Similarities:
* Four wheels
* Engine
* Differences:
* Brand
* Model
* Color

Chapter 6: Generating and Testing Hypotheses

* Summary: Guides students in forming hypotheses, investigating them, and determining if they are supported or refuted.
* Example: Hypothesis: If I add fertilizer to my plants, they will grow taller.
* Investigation: Adding fertilizer to plants and measuring their height growth
* Conclusion: Data supports the hypothesis (plants grew taller with fertilizer)

Chapter 7: Solving Problems and Decision-Making

* Summary: Provides a systematic approach to problem-solving and decision-making, considering different options and evaluating their consequences.
* Example: Problem: How to get to school without a car
* Options:
* Ride the bus
* Walk
* Bike
* Consequences:
* Bus: Reliable but potentially crowded
* Walking: Exercise but may take longer
* Biking: Faster but requires physical effort
* Decision: Ride the bus (based on reliability and convenience)