This document describes how brainstorming and drawing supports creative thinking in a lesson about creating imaginary alien creatures. It explains that using a whiteboard allows teacher and students to freely generate and visualize ideas through sketches without being constrained. Students can then take these prompts to design their own creatures on a worksheet, making revisions as needed. By sketching ideas out, students can learn from mistakes and flexibly change designs to find their best solution. Overall, brainstorming and practice in a low-stakes environment helps students understand goals and find creative solutions in a happy, relaxed way.

2. Locate the “Critters from
Alien Earth Learning
Activity” and complete it
up to and including the
completion of the Dr
Newzoo’s Critters
worksheet

4. Looking at paintings by
Henri Rousseau

7. Some of the animals were this big,
Some were bigger,
Some had big ears,
Some had small,
Some had beaks....
There were so many, how did they look?
Hmmmm, I will have to draw things to
remember...

9. Now its time to
draw the animals!

11. Describe how the design
of this first stage of the
lesson supports the
development of creative
thinking .

12. Setting up a large whiteboard or an easel with a big
piece of paper to draw brainstorming ideas is a good
way to introduce this activity. Whiteboards are more
preferable because it allows the teacher to erase and
redraw free-flowing ideas at will. The use of a
whiteboard for this kind of presentation also results in a
neater and easier-to-read set of Brainstorming notes. It
is also handy to have a supply of markers in several
colours. Different colours can be used to indicate
different groups or levels of ideas.

13. As each concept comes up, the entire class should help to
expand the concept. For example, once "a paw" appears on
the whiteboard, pop out whatever ideas come to mind that
are related to animals. For example, there are the various
parts of the body on various animals that make their
appearance differ: A kangaroo has two large hind legs, two
small paws, small ears and a pouch. The teacher should
sketch these down as they ideas down as they come up.

14. The main benefits of brainstorming is that it breaks down
the instructions for the students to follow before they start
trying to follow the sometimes “all-too-complicated
directions” It brings out great ideas and information hidden
within their minds. It cultivates the student’s creativity in
their minds; and helps them realize the endless
possibilities.
It is fun too as it keeps them on their toes and always
keeps their minds thinking more.

15. In the Dr Newzoo’s Crazy Critters activity the brainstorming
session is extended by using the visual displays on the
whiteboard to act as prompts to visualize their own crazy
critter. Once the students start sketching on the worksheet,
they can not only come up with new ideas of their own,
they can also sketch out their ideas and designs to see if
they can interpret their ideas, and come up with a design
that they are confident and happy to use for their final
presentation. By allowing students to sketch out their
ideas, it allows students to make errors and to find their
way, to make progress with their work. It also allows the
students to be flexible and change their mind if they decide
that this is the best course of action for them.

16. Brainstorming and practice helps students keep a healthy and
happy atmosphere around them, whilst making them
understand the goal they need to achieve. During this time
they can find out different solutions that will lead them to
achieve their goal.

17. Complete the remainder of the
Critters from Alien Earth
project.

18. Now for my
masterpiece...
Even if I do say so
myself!
I present to you...
The Dingaroo!