How Do We Know It’s True? Free Critical Thinking Printables for Kids
A plant looks taller than it did yesterday. Does that mean it grew overnight? Join Nia and Milo as they look for clues, ask better questions, and discover why careful evidence matters.
This free Curious Kids lesson helps children distinguish what they notice from what they conclude. It also makes room for an important answer: ‘I am not sure yet.’
Choose your free printable
Each version includes an illustrated lesson, questions to discuss, a hands-on activity, and guidance for grown-ups.
Ages 5–7: Notice, wonder, and check
A two-page read-together story with conversation prompts, a drawing activity, and a simple measuring investigation. Children practice telling the difference between something they saw and something they guessed.
Ages 8–10: Claims, clues, and fair comparisons
A three-page lesson that explores claims, evidence, alternative explanations, and fair comparisons. Includes a worksheet and a grown-up guide to support thoughtful discussion.
Both printables are free digital products. Select your age version and complete the $0 checkout to receive the PDF.
Talk about it together
What did the children observe? What did they assume?
Could something else explain what they saw?
What information would help them decide?
When have you changed your mind after learning something new?
Try a little investigation
With an adult, record a plant’s height on two different dates. Use the same unit and measure from the same points each time. Write down what you notice before deciding what it means. A little change—or no visible change—is still useful information.
Good thinkers do not need to know all the answers. They can ask, check, and keep learning.
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