How to teach critical thinking through the navigation of a controversial issue

Teaching controversial issues is particularly challenging in today’s world of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. This article explores how critical thinking can be embedded in such discussions using the street smarts critical thinking model. The study focuses on the contentious use of the poison 1080 as a case study, systematically demonstrating how teachers can incorporate critical thinking through practical activities and student work examples. The article also provides freely available video resources that support the integration of critical thinking in the classroom. These strategies not only empower students to analyse complex topics critically, but also to assist in becoming active and engaged citizens.