Why thought experiments work
A thought experiment is an imaginary “what if” scenario used to test an idea. Philosophers have used them for thousands of years, from the ship of Theseus to the experience machine, because they let us isolate one question and think about it clearly.
Children are natural thought experimenters. Imaginary cases give them a safe, playful way into deep questions about identity, happiness, knowledge and what we really value.
Free activities to download
Ready-to-run EduTrend Contents philosophy enquiry workshops for primary, middle and high school. Each free download includes a step-by-step session plan, facilitator notes, three student worksheets and an assessment checklist. Full 20-week programmes are available in EduStore.
The Wishing Box
Primary · Ages 5–7
Foundation · 30 min
Young children imagine a magic box that grants one wish for everyone in the class and enquire into what would be the best wish.
The Ship That Changed
Primary · Ages 8–11
Developing · 45 min
Pupils build a model boat from blocks, replace pieces one by one and enquire into whether it stays the same boat.
The Happiness Machine
Middle School · Ages 11–13
Intermediate · 50 min
Students consider a machine that gives perfect happy experiences and enquire into whether feeling happy is all that matters.
The Teleporter
Middle School · Ages 12–14
Intermediate · 50 min
Students explore a teleporter thought experiment and enquire into what makes a person the same person.
Mary’s Room
High School · Ages 15–18
Advanced · 60 min
Students examine a famous thought experiment about knowledge and experience and enquire into whether there is more to the mind than physical facts.
Liked the free activities? Go further with a 20-week programme.
Each free activity comes from a full EduTrend Contents programme: a Family Guide or Teacher's Guide with one-page session plans for 20 weeks, plus an Assessment Toolkit with rubrics, trackers and certificates. Choose the one for your child's age or your class below. Instant PDF download after checkout.
P4C-251 · 20 WEEKS · $29
What If? Thinking at Home
Family · Ages 5–11 with a grown-up
Imaginative “what if” questions at home.
P4C-252 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Thought Experiment Enquiries
Primary · Ages 5–11
Class enquiries using famous puzzles.
P4C-253 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Thought Experiments Lab
Middle school · Ages 11–14
Identity, happiness and knowledge experiments.
P4C-254 · 20 WEEKS · $45
Thought Experiment Leaders
High school · Ages 14–18
Lead thought experiment enquiries for children.
Photos: Xavi Cabrera, Ryan Collins, Drew Easley, Vitaly Gariev, Timur Shakerzianov / Unsplash
Thought Experiments
Think with imagination through five free printable philosophy activities, from the wishing box and the ship that changed to the happiness machine, the teleporter and Mary’s room. For longer learning, choose a 20-week programme for families, primary, middle or high school.
P4C
/
/
Thought Experiments
