Read the passages below. As you read the passages, think about details you may use in an informational essay about how a student might organize a successful fundraiser. Read the prompt and write an informational essay based on the prompt. Thinking up a Storm

Tucker and Anita need to decide on the topic of their upcoming science project. Both are feeling stuck because they are having a hard time coming up with workable ideas. Anita wisely suggests that they just start writing down all the ideas that come into their heads, however seemingly silly or unusable. From their list, Tucker points out that they actually have a few really great proposals.

In this scenario, Anita and Tucker made use of a brainstorming technique. Brainstorming is valuable when a creative idea is needed and ideas are difficult to generate. One begins the process by throwing out as many ideas as possible—even some that seem crazy. Sometimes the perfect idea comes straight from that list, or sometimes that list just leads to other ideas.

There are certain things to consider when brainstorming for a project. First, set the tone by reminding people not to criticize anyone’s ideas so that no one feels uncomfortable giving wild suggestions, which can sometimes turn out to be the best ones. Next, try out several brainstorming tools and see which works most effectively. For example, try having everyone write ideas down individually and then compare thoughts aloud. Another option is to start by using a “brain dumping” technique, where you simply write every thought that comes into your head for five minutes, no matter how unrelated to the topic it may seem.

A more extreme method of brainstorming is called “reversing,” which starts by taking a thought and reversing it. For example, the question of “What is the best way to build this website?” would be reversed and turned into “What is the worst way to build this website?” An outside-the-box question such as this fuels the imagination. Then some of the bad ideas can inspire a great idea that would not have been considered using a more traditional brainstorming method.

However you choose to start, the important thing is to play around with ideas until some start to stick. Be creative, be wacky, and have fun with the topic. If you remember that no thought is a wasted thought while brainstorming, you can find some truly imaginative solutions.

The Teamwork Trap

A fairly common thought is that if everyone else thinks something is the best idea, then it must be the best idea. This is a prime example of a phenomenon known as “groupthink.” Groupthink often occurs when members of a team attempt to make a decision or solve a problem. The problem with groupthink is that group members start to overvalue unity and hesitate to oppose popular opinion. The negative result is that alternate ideas are not even considered and flaws in the popular plan are not discussed.

However, what are the causes of groupthink? It often occurs when there is a persuasive leader with whom the other group members always want to agree. Sometimes there is the illusion of unanimity, or the belief that everyone else is in agreement already, so you should be too. Another cause of groupthink is when people feel they will be criticized for their opinions. The result of this attitude is that no one wants to think too creatively. Too much confidence can even be a cause. If everyone is so positive that an idea will succeed, they will not likely explore alternatives to that idea. Furthermore, many people simply want to be agreeable so that they are accepted and liked by the group.

The problem with this mindset is that it often yields poor results. For instance, suppose no one wants to argue with the leader that their group essay is not being written well, and so all students end up receiving a bad grade. At its worst, groupthink can be a trap that produces disastrous outcomes. One example occurred in 1986 when the Challenger space shuttle exploded before ever making it out of Earth’s atmosphere. It was revealed later that a few members of the group who designed the shuttle knew that a few parts were not quite right. Due to a groupthink mentality, none of them spoke up before the shuttle launched.

Ultimately, a group needs to make a decision to value and listen to everyone’s opinions in order to avoid groupthink. Groups that learn to brainstorm well together often avoid a group mentality, and this is when the best ideas tend to thrive.