When people hear the word “creativity,” they usually think of the arts: the great painters, poets, and musicians who have expressed their imagination and personal vision through an artistic medium. Science is often framed as the opposite of creative: a meticulous, data-driven activity that’s logical, rational, and detail-oriented. This leaves many students feeling disengaged and unable to connect with science—or get excited about it as a field of future study.
Of course, creative thinking was the catalyst for some of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs, from Copernican astronomy to quantum physics to the discovery of the structure of DNA. If we are to successfully tackle the problems and challenges of the future, creativity in science is essential. That’s why Khan Academy has partnered with Adobe to create free, downloadable science activities with real-world applications—activities that teachers can effortlessly incorporate into their lesson plans to get kids engaged with science.
What do we mean when we say creativity?
Creativity is simply the act of discovering new and imaginative ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated things, and finding solutions to problems. Each time a student figures out a way to solve a problem that had not occurred to them before or imagines new possibilities for the future, they are using their creativity.
How can we foster creativity in the classroom?
1. Inspire curiosity.
Sparking kids’ curiosity is where creativity in science starts. You can help your students by encouraging them to ask questions, dig deeper into topics that interest them, and experiment wherever possible.
To give kids an opportunity for hands-on learning that lets them put their ideas to the test in the real world, download this free science activity created by Khan Academy and Adobe: How does water form droplets on surfaces?
2. Promote a growth mindset.
Encouraging a growth mindset in the classroom can counteract damaging ideas about who gets to be creative. By emphasizing perseverance and resilience and embracing failure as part of the learning process, you can help your students exercise their creative muscles. Instead of seeing mistakes as something to feel bad about, celebrate them as valuable learning experiences. What would you do differently next time?
3. Emphasize collaboration.
The isolated genius who hides in a lab and emerges years later with a world-shaking idea is more a myth than a reality. Research has shown that breakthrough innovation is more likely to be achieved through teamwork. That’s because when people with different specialties, perspectives, and life experiences come together, team members are better able to see the connections between concepts they might have missed when working alone.
By assigning group projects, you can help your students develop the skills they need for successful collaboration. They will learn how to brainstorm, share ideas, and use each person’s strengths to get the work done. As a bonus, exposure to many different perspectives can teach kids to examine their own ideas critically and to consider alternate points of view.
4. Allow time and space.
Creativity doesn’t flow on demand. It needs time and space to flourish. You can encourage your students by giving them the freedom to explore their passions and conduct independent research as much as the curriculum and classroom demands allow. Supply resource materials like books and allow them to use available laboratory equipment. Then have them present their findings to the class. This gives students a sense of autonomy and control that allows creativity to grow and develop.
Free, downloadable science activities from Khan Academy and Adobe not only teach kids basic concepts, but they also provide lots of suggestions for how to use their creativity to generate new ideas and solutions. Activities like Why do clothes develop static cling in a dryer? are engaging, comprehensive, and ready to use right now.
Save HOURS of searching with our FREE hands-on activities
With all that goes on in a busy classroom in the course of a day, building lessons and projects that help students tap into their creativity might seem like an overwhelming task. But don’t worry. Khan Academy and Adobe have created high-quality science activities to support your work in the classroom. They’re rigorous, comprehensive, and designed to get your students engaged. Plus, they’re already planned and fit easily into your curriculum. So you can focus your energy on helping your students build the skills that will help them become practiced creative thinkers today and innovators and problem solvers tomorrow.
These free science resources are made possible by our sponsor, the Adobe Foundation. Thanks to their support we’re able to fuel creativity and empower educators to foster higher-level thinking skills like analyzing, evaluating, communicating, and problem-solving.