Area: Math

Introduction to Paradoxes: Superhero, Sorites, and Zeno’s Dichotomy Paradox

Introduction to Lesson: Today we are going to talk about paradoxes, and we are going to discuss some examples together.   First, what is a paradox? Has anyone heard of paradoxes before? [Invite student responses]. A paradox is a special type of puzzle or riddle. It’s when two things seem to be true at the Introduction to Paradoxes: Superhero, Sorites, and Zeno’s Dichotomy Paradox

Dream Activity

Part 1: Have each person think of a dream they’ve had recently. After giving them a moment to think, go around in a circle and have each person share a bit about their dream. (Elementary school students may get exceptionally excited about sharing their dreams and may want to share an enormous amount of detail Dream Activity

Belief and Knowledge

Have each person write down on a piece of paper: Once everyone has their statements, then have them pair up to talk about their claims, and why they put them in the category they did. This should get them started on a conversation about the difference between belief and knowledge. Then have the group come Belief and Knowledge

Are We Living in a Simulation?

Are We Living in a Simulation, and What Would it Mean if the Answer is Yes? The purpose of this lesson is to explore the nature of reality and how we know whether or not anything is real Begin the lesson with the two short embedded videos to get the students thinking and engaged in Are We Living in a Simulation?

Magic Box Activity

Photograph of a black box with a big red button in the center of it to illustrate PLATO's "Magic Box" lesson plan for elementary aged students

Students are arranged into groups of 2-4. First they formulate their answers to written questions, then they work together as a group to respond to a challenge at the end of the activity. Discussion Questions For the first few questions, think about all of the different kinds of things that you do at home, at Magic Box Activity

Beliefs and Evidence

Materials needed: Paper and pen/pencil Description: Begin by having a loose discussion about the difference between “opinion” and “knowledge.” This should bring up claims about reasons, evidence, and proof. After a brief discussion about this difference, have the students write down three things they know. For each statement, have the students write down their best Beliefs and Evidence

Reasoning and Arguments

Photograph of a row of students smiling and engaging in philosophical dialogue in a classroom

Materials needed: Paper, writing utensil Description: First, put these three words on the board: conclusion, premise, argument. Ask the students what these words mean. Often students will need a little guidance here because this is a foreign way of thinking for them. Then give them a very simple argument. For example: P1. If you’re about to Reasoning and Arguments