Ignite Your Creativity!

Andrew Beland

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Ignite Your Creativity!

Students will be able to define creativity and identify strategies to foster creative thinking in their project-based learning tasks.

Creativity is a vital skill for innovation, problem-solving, and bringing fresh perspectives to academic and real-world challenges. This lesson helps students tap into their innate creative abilities.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and a hands-on creative challenge.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Slide Deck: Ignite Your Creativity!, Markers or pens, Paper for each student, and Creative Spark Challenge Activity

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Lesson Plan: Ignite Your Creativity!, Slide Deck: Ignite Your Creativity!, and the Creative Spark Challenge Activity.
Prepare whiteboard or projector for the slide deck. Ensure each student has paper and a writing utensil.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

Begin with a thought-provoking question to engage students. Use Slide 1 and Slide 2 from the Slide Deck: Ignite Your Creativity! to introduce the concept of creativity and its relevance. Ask students: "What does 'creativity' mean to you?" Allow for a few student responses.

Step 2

Exploring Creativity

10 minutes

Lead a discussion using Slide 3 and Slide 4. Define creativity as 'the ability to use your imagination to develop new and original ideas.' Discuss examples of creativity in everyday life and in project-based learning. Emphasize that creativity isn't just about art; it's about unique solutions and perspectives in any field. Encourage students to share their own experiences with creative thinking.

Step 3

Creative Spark Challenge

10 minutes

Introduce the Creative Spark Challenge Activity. Explain the instructions clearly, using Slide 5. Students will work individually or in pairs to complete a short creative task. Circulate around the room, offering guidance and encouragement. Remind them there's no 'right' answer, only creative exploration.

Step 4

Share & Reflect

5 minutes

Bring the class back together. Ask a few students to share their creations or ideas from the Creative Spark Challenge Activity. Use Slide 6 for a quick wrap-up discussion. Ask: "How did you use your imagination in this activity? How can you apply this creative thinking to your upcoming projects?" Conclude by reinforcing the value of creative thinking.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Ignite Your Creativity!

Unleash Your Inner Innovator

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of creativity. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the word "creativity" to gauge their initial understanding.

What Does Creativity Mean to YOU?

Share your thoughts and ideas!

Prompt students to think about what creativity means to them. Facilitate a brief discussion, gathering a few initial ideas from the class.

Creativity: More Than Just Art!

Creativity is the ability to use your imagination to develop new and original ideas.

It's about:

Thinking outside the box
Finding unique solutions
Seeing things from a fresh perspective

Provide a clear definition of creativity. Emphasize that it's about imagination and generating new, original ideas, not just artistic talent. Give simple examples.

Where Do You See Creativity?

Creativity is everywhere!

Solving problems: How do scientists invent new things?
Telling stories: How do writers create new worlds?
Designing projects: How can you make your school projects stand out?
Everyday life: How do you find a new way to organize your locker or make a simple meal exciting?

Discuss how creativity applies to various aspects of life, especially in project-based learning. Encourage students to think about how they can be creative in different school subjects.

Time for a Creative Spark!

It's your turn to get creative!

Activity: Creative Spark Challenge Activity

Instructions: Follow the prompts to create something unique. Don't overthink it—just let your ideas flow!

Introduce the "Creative Spark Challenge Activity." Clearly explain the instructions and the time limit. Encourage students to embrace the challenge and not worry about perfection.

Reflect and Grow

What did you create?
How did you use your imagination?
How can you bring this creative thinking into your next project?

Facilitate sharing and reflection. Ask students how they used their imagination and how they can apply this type of thinking to their upcoming projects. Conclude by reinforcing the importance of creative thinking.

Activity

Creative Spark Challenge

Your Mission:

Imagine you have been asked to design a new, innovative gadget using only three common household items. Your gadget must solve a small, everyday problem (e.g., remembering to water plants, finding lost keys, making homework more fun).

Instructions:

Choose Your Problem: Identify a small, everyday problem that your gadget will solve.
Select Your Three Items: Pick three common household items you will use to build your gadget (e.g., a paperclip, a rubber band, a spoon, a sock, a toilet paper roll, etc.). List them below.
Design Your Gadget: On a piece of paper, draw your gadget. Label its parts and show how the three items are used to solve the problem. Give your gadget a creative name!
Explain Your Creation: Briefly describe how your gadget works and how it solves the problem.

Remember:

There are no wrong answers! Be as imaginative as possible.
Focus on how you combine and use the functions of your chosen items in new ways.
You have 10 minutes for this challenge. Good luck!