SCAMPER: Scaffolding Creativity

Objective

Students will practice the tool of SCAMPER using a topic of their (or your) choosing before applying it to content.

SCAMPER, a creation of Bob Eberle, is detailed in the book Thinkertoys. It is an acronym for creative verbs:

• S: substitute
• C: combine
• A: adapt
• M: modify, maximize, or minimize
• P: put to other uses
• E: eliminate
• R: rearrange

Steps

1. We begin with practicing Substitute and Combine.
2. Then students will try Apply, Max/Minimize, and Put To Other Uses.
3. Finally, they use Eliminate and Rearrange.

Resources

• Worksheet as a plain PDF
• Worksheet as a fillable PDF
• Worksheet as a Google Form