Six Thinking Hats Activities Form

Social Studies Standards

SS5H1 Describe how life changed in America at the turn of the
century.
c. Explain how William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt expanded Americas
role in the world; include the Spanish-American War and the building of the
Panama Canal.
Whole Class Activities:
Read the two artifacts about Theodore Roosevelt. These artifacts will be at
different reading levels to allow for differences in readiness/ability within the
class.
Directions: Thinking Hats Questions
The classroom teacher will create groups using DRA levels to discuss the
Thinking Hats questions. Students within a group should have read different
informational texts. A recorder in each group will write down the answers
from the group for the White, Yellow, Black, and Red Hats. Each group will
choose a creative project to do for the Green Hat questions. The Blue Hat
question will be answered by a ticket out the door response.
White Hat Thinking (Facts)
1. What are 3 important contributions that Theodore Roosevelt made to

our country?
2. What does Square Deal have to do with Theodore Roosevelts
presidency?
3. How did Theodore Roosevelt earn the nickname, "The Trustbuster".
Yellow Hat Thinking (Benefits)
1. In what important ways did Theodore Roosevelt shape our nation for

the better?
2. What are some positive character traits of Theodore Roosevelt that you
might like to imitate?
3. What are some positive things that resulted from Theodore Roosevelts
illnesses or suffering?
Black Hat Thinking (Flaws or Problems)

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1. What decisions did Theodore Roosevelt make that created new

problems? Cite evidence from the artifacts.

2. What are some negative character traits of Theodore Roosevelt?
3. Rank in order from 1 5 the biggest problems Theodore Roosevelt
faced in his lifetime. (1 is the greatest problem 5 least problem)
Justify your answers
Red Hat Thinking (Feelings)
1. Pretend you are Theodore Roosevelt. Describe how he might feel

about America today.

2. His most famous quote is "Speak softly and carry a big stick". What
emotions or feelings do you think that Theodore Roosevelt felt when he
created this quote?
3. Do you think Theodore Roosevelt was a good president? Give
examples why you think he was or wasnt a good president.
Green Hat Thinking (Creativity)
1. Create a cartoon picture about an aspect of Roosevelts presidency.
2. Design a poster to show ways that Roosevelt change America.
3. Brainstorm a list of questions about Roosevelts accomplishments that

you would ask him if he were alive today.

Blue Hat Thinking (Summarizing)
Revisit the essential question ticket out the door!
Students will leave a post-it note with their response to. How did America
change under Theodore Roosevelts presidency?
Assessment Mini-Rubric:
Poster
1. On construction paper or poster board
2. Legible, neat writing
3. Has visuals about topic
4. Has title and labels spelled correctly
5. Neat with white space
Drawing
1. Pictures are clear and understandable
2. Neatly done
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3. Shows topic accurately

4. May use crayon, markers, pencil, pen, or colored pencils

Interview Questions
1. At least 10 questions included
2. Questions related to the topic
3. Legible, neat writing
4. Clear and coherent writing with correct grammar, punctuation,
and spelling

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