10.3 A Divergent Thinking Model
Now, let’s get to work on a model that will allow us to use our Divergent Thinking: We will call this task: “Invent a New World.” This subject is multidisciplinary; it can be adapted for language arts, social studies, science, or art.
Duration: From 60–90 minutes to 120 minutes.
Objective: You will use divergent thinking strategies to collaboratively invent a fictional world, exploring creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Learning Goals: As a result of this task, you will
- engage in creative exploration and the generation of ideas,
- practice using the SCAMPER (See Section II) method for design thinking and mind mapping.
- develop collaboration and communication skills with your peers, and
- reflect on the creative process and the value of multiple perspectives.
Materials Needed:
- The class Whiteboard or a digital board on your laptops.
- Chart paper or large poster paper.
- Markers and sticky notes.
- Your student WRIT notebooks.
- Optional: tablets or laptops for research and drawing.
Lesson Breakdown
1. Warm-Up (10 min) – “What if…” Brainstorm
At your table, each student will pose open-ended prompts like:
- “What if gravity only worked half the time?”
- “What if animals could vote?”
People at your table will write or share as many ideas as possible in 3 minutes (As many ideas as you possibly can. Never mind the quality for now – no judgment!).
2. Your instructor will quickly repeat the intro Video to Divergent Thinking and…
- Briefly summarize the difference between divergent and convergent thinking.
- Introduce the SCAMPER method and mind mapping.
- Show you a quick example: redesigning a backpack using SCAMPER.
3. Main Activity (30–40 min) – Invent a New World
At your tables, you will:
- Create a fictional world using a mind map.
- Include environment, creatures, culture, technology, and challenges.
- Use SCAMPER to evolve ideas (e.g., “What if we eliminate gravity?”).
- Encourage wild ideas—no limits!
- Each group will present their world in a 2-minute pitch.
4. Reflection (10–15 min) – Creative Journaling
- You will all respond to the Prompt: “What surprised you about your thinking today?”
- Reflect on how you contributed to the group, what you learned, and how it felt to think freely.
5. Extension (Optional Homework or Follow-Up)
- Write a short story set in the invented world. (6-8 paragraphs)
- Create a visual map or flag for the world.
- Research real-world inventions that started with wild ideas.
Tips for Success
- Let’s celebrate unusual ideas and humour with respect and professional courtesy.
- Avoid correcting or steering ourselves toward “realistic” answers.
- Use our collective ideas to spark further questions and more exploration.
The most important trait for success in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: be your own writer, until you can master logic and argumentation and at the same time, grow, defend and strengthen your very own human intelligence.
Let’s Watch: Humanity, Teamwork and Survival
Please watch what Professor Po-Shen Loh says about Humanity, teamwork and survival in the age of Artificial Intelligence:
Video: “The Only Trait for Success in the AI Era—How to Build It | Carnegie Mellon University Po-Shen Loh” by EO [22:31] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
