Ready-to-use classroom activity

Reverse Brainstorm

Students brainstorm ways to cause a problem rather than solve it, then reverse those ideas to discover innovative solutions.

Grade range

5th Grade – 12th Grade

Works across

ScienceMathematicsEnglishHistory

Activity style

CreativeAnalyticalCollaborative

Classroom walkthrough

See it in practice

One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.

Example lesson context

Problem-Solving for Environmental Issues (Science - 7th Grade)

Materials

Gather these before class.

  • Brainstorming paper divided in two columns
  • Problem statement clearly displayed
  • Timer

Preparation

What to have ready before students begin.

Identify a problem students will solve. Frame the reverse question. Create two-column template: 'How to cause the problem' | 'Solution (reverse)'. Practice facilitation.

Run the activity

A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.

1

Present the problem: 'Our school cafeteria creates too much waste.'

2

Explain reverse brainstorming: Instead of solving the problem, we'll make it WORSE. Then we'll flip our ideas.

3

Reverse question: 'How could we make cafeteria waste as bad as possible?'

4

Brainstorm ways to cause maximum waste (5-7 min):

Use only non-recyclable materials

Make portions way too big so food gets thrown away

Don't have any recycling bins

Serve unpopular food no one will eat

5

Now flip each idea to a potential solution:

Use only compostable or recyclable materials

Offer smaller portions with option for seconds

Place clearly labeled recycling bins everywhere

Survey students about food preferences

6

Review solutions: Which are most practical? Most impactful?

7

This technique works because it's easier to think of how to cause problems - then solutions emerge naturally.

8

Star your top 3 solutions.

9

Groups share best ideas. Compile class solution list.

10

Extension: Create action plan for top solutions.

Differentiate

Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.

Model several reverse-to-solution examples. Work in pairs for brainstorming. For advanced students, apply to more complex or abstract problems.

Look for learning

Use these signals to assess understanding.

Evaluate creativity in reverse brainstorming. Check that reversals are logical solutions. Look for novel ideas that wouldn't emerge from direct brainstorming. Note most promising solutions.