Back to School of Thought: Teaching Critical Thinking
Every August, as classrooms begin to fill again and curricula get updated, there’s an opportunity not just to teach what to think, but how to think. “Back to School” season isn’t just for kids—it’s a cultural reset button that reminds us of the value of learning. For those of us in the science and skepticism communities, it’s an opportunity to promote critical thinking as a core life skill, not a luxury or an elective. It starts with asking better questions and recognizing that information isn’t the same as knowledge.
With misinformation spreading faster than ever, there’s a pressing need to equip students—and adults—with tools to assess claims, identify logical fallacies, and spot biased sources. Organizations like Let’s Talk Science, MediaSmarts, and the Centre for Inquiry Canada have created resources tailored to Canadian classrooms and communities. These aren’t just about debunking pseudoscience or conspiracy theories—they’re about fostering curiosity, doubt, and respectful dialogue.
As we head into the fall, educators, parents, and community leaders have a chance to normalize skepticism as part of everyday decision-making. Whether it’s in evaluating health advice, social media posts, or political claims, the habits of critical thinking can be taught early and often. After all, critical thinking isn’t about being cynical—it’s about caring enough to pause before believing.
Written with the help of ChatGPT
Outdoor Pickleball
Saturday, August 2, 9:00 am MDT
Curious about pickleball but haven’t tried it yet? Here’s your chance – we will have extra paddles for those who don’t have one. Or enjoy it and want to play outdoors on some beautiful courts? They are located at the site of the old Volleydome south of U of C in the Foothills Athletic Park.
Cost is $4, which allows us to book courts ahead of time and gives us 2 hours to play (9 am to 11 am). Parking beside the courts is free. Please bring extra paddles if you have them.
Go to our Meetup Page for more details.
BBQ and Potluck
Saturday, August 2, 5:00 pm MDT
You are invited to our annual summer BBQ and potluck! We will provide the burgers and dogs (including vegan options). Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, and a beverage of your choice.
Come in to the house or come around to the backyard when you arrive. Plenty of street parking in front or on the side (the bus stop is not currently active so you can park there as well).
We will play some backyard games and will likely play some music around the fire so bring your instruments if you want to join in!
This is a kid-friendly event.
Head to our Meetup Page for more details.
Hike at Widowmaker Trail
Sunday, August 10, 9:00 am MDT
Join us for a refreshing morning hike and connect with nature! We’ll explore a scenic trail that offers beautiful views, fresh air, and a great way to start your Sunday.
We will meet at the Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis parking lot: Google maps location. This parking lot is on the North side of the trail. (Ignore the location on Meetup as it only shows Kananaskis)
If you would like to carpool, please post in the comments. There is no guarantee that a spot will be available. A $15 Kananaskis vehicle pass is required for day use: purchase Kananaskis pass
Go to our Meetup Page to register
Monthly Board Meeting
Friday, August 15
Third Friday of the month at 6:00 pm MDT
The Board of RMA meets on the 3rd Friday of each month, before the Skeptics in the Pub. Meetings are open to all, but only Board members can vote.
The Unicorn (Calgarys Superpub), 223 8 Ave SW · Calgary, AB
Check out our Meetup page for details.
Skeptics in the Pub
Friday, August 15
Third Friday of the month at 7:00 pm MDT
Come to the pub, meet like-minded people and have thought-provoking discussions, along with a drink and some food.
The Unicorn (Calgarys Superpub), 223 8 Ave SW · Calgary, AB
You can register on our Meetup Page to get updates.
Rafting on the Bow River
Sunday, August 17, 11:00 am MDT
We have reserved a 10-person raft from Lazy Day Raft Rentals. The total cost is $275, so if we get 10 people, the cost is just $27.50 each. If we have fewer people, we will divide the costs accordingly. We will check in with you if we have less than 10 to confirm the cost.
Check our Meetup Page to register and find out about the location and other details.
Life Without Religion – Online
Tuesday, August 19
Third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
Live Without Religion (LWR) is a peer support group for people whose lives have been negatively impacted by religion. Nearly anyone who has left a fundamentalist or high-control religion can tell you that it leaves not only scars but sometimes open wounds. Nothing helps with the healing better than sharing your experience and discussing how to heal with others who have had a similar experience. That mutual support is what we find in LWR meetings. If you want to learn more about LWR, contact Lois at loislwr@gmail.com.
GLOBAL SKEPTICS in the PUB
Friday, August 22 at 7:00 pm MDT
Join us for the 2025 edition of Glogal Skeptics in the Pub!
It will begin at 7 pm local time in New Zealand on Friday, August 22 and end at 9 pm local time in Hawai’i (24 hours later on the same calendar day). That is UTC 0700 August 22 until UTC 0700 August 23.
Anyone can participate from anywhere and for as long as they want! Install Zoom (https://zoom.us/download) and, on August 22, go to https://www.skepticalcon.com/global-sitp-2025 for the Zoom link and Passcode.
Go to our Meetup Page, to register and get updates
Movie Night
Monday, August 25
Fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
This month’s movie will be announced soon.
Head over to our Meetup Page, to register, get updates and the Zoom link.
WeCanReason Webinar
Wednesday, August 27
Fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm MDT
Making Critical Thinking Go Viral: The Case for Skepticism and How to Make it Contagious
Spreading skepticism isn’t just about debunking false claims; it’s about empowering individuals to reclaim control over their lives. In this talk, Jon Michael will explore why promoting skepticism is essential, not just to win people over to “our team”, but for personal autonomy and emotional well-being. Join us to get a view inside the mind of a believer, discover why it’s vital to teach others critical thinking, and how we can engage with others using both empathy and reason.
Head over to our Meetup Page to register and get the Zoom link.
All details of our events can be found on our Meetup Page at https://www.meetup.com/rockymountainatheists/events/.