Carousel Brainstorm

Groups rotate between posted prompts, adding ideas

20–35 min12–36 studentsCharts posted on walls with space for groups to stand

At a Glance

Duration

20–35 min

Group Size

12–36 students

Space Setup

Charts posted on walls with space for groups to stand

Materials

Large chart paper (one per prompt)
Markers (different color per group)
Timer

Bloom's Taxonomy

RememberUnderstandAnalyze

SEL Competencies

Relationship SkillsSocial Awareness

What is Carousel Brainstorm?

Carousel Brainstorm is a cooperative learning strategy that maximizes student movement and collective knowledge construction by rotating small groups through various stations to respond to open-ended prompts. This methodology works because it leverages social interdependence and the 'gallery walk' effect, allowing students to build upon the ideas of their peers while engaging in low-stakes, high-participation discourse. By physically moving between stations, students maintain higher levels of cognitive engagement and reduce the fatigue associated with sedentary seatwork. The bottom line is that it transforms static brainstorming into a dynamic, iterative process where students act as both contributors and editors of a shared knowledge base. This scaffolding is particularly effective for activating prior knowledge or reviewing complex units, as it exposes students to multiple perspectives and diverse problem-solving approaches in a short timeframe. Furthermore, the visual nature of the accumulated responses allows for immediate formative assessment by the instructor, who can identify misconceptions or knowledge gaps as groups rotate.

Ideal for

Activating prior knowledgeGenerating diverse ideas on subtopicsReviewing before assessmentsExploring multiple causes or effects

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ✓6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ✓ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ★Arts ✓

How to Run a Carousel Brainstorm

Prepare Prompts and Stations

Write a unique, open-ended question or problem on large pieces of chart paper and tape them at intervals around the classroom walls.

Form Small Groups

Divide the class into small teams of 3-5 students and assign each group to a starting station with a specific colored marker.

Execute Initial Brainstorm

Give groups 3-4 minutes to record as many ideas, facts, or solutions as possible related to the prompt at their first station.

Rotate and Review

Signal groups to move to the next station, where they must first read the previous group's work before adding new information or asking clarifying questions.

Complete the Circuit

Continue the rotations until every group has visited every station, ensuring they use their unique marker color at each stop for tracking.

Conduct Final Gallery Walk

Allow groups to return to their original station to see how their initial ideas were expanded upon or challenged by the rest of the class.

Debrief and Summarize

Lead a whole-class discussion to synthesize the findings from each poster and address any common misconceptions identified during the activity.

Research Evidence

Kagan, S., Kagan, M.

2009 · Kagan Publishing, 1(1), 1-480

Movement-based cooperative structures like Carousel Brainstorm significantly increase student engagement and retention by providing physiological breaks and social interaction.

Gillies, R. M.

2016 · Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 41(3), 39-54

Structured group interactions that require students to process and build upon the work of others enhance higher-order thinking skills and promote more inclusive classroom environments.

Topics That Work Well With Carousel Brainstorm

Browse curriculum topics where Carousel Brainstorm is a suggested active learning strategy.

Factors Affecting Reaction Rates

5th Year · Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change

Responsibilities and Civic Duty

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

Equality and Discrimination

1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World

Identifying an Issue

2nd Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic State

Identifying and Researching Issues

3rd Year · Active Citizenship and Democratic Action

Writing Personal Narratives

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Word Relationships and Nuance

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Vivid Imagery and Similes

2nd Class · The Power of Words: Literacy and Expression

Persuasive Techniques in Advertising

3rd Class · Voices and Visions: Literacy in 3rd Class

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carousel Brainstorming in education?

Carousel Brainstorming is an active learning strategy where students rotate around the room to respond to different prompts on posters. It encourages movement and collaborative knowledge building by allowing groups to add to or critique the ideas of previous teams.

How do I use Carousel Brainstorm in my classroom?

Start by placing large chart papers with different questions around the room and assigning students to small groups. Have groups spend 3-5 minutes at each station writing their ideas before rotating to the next station to review and expand upon existing comments.

What are the benefits of Carousel Brainstorm for students?

The primary benefits include increased physical engagement, the development of collaborative skills, and exposure to diverse viewpoints. It reduces the pressure on individual students by distributing the cognitive load across the entire class.

How do you manage behavior during a Carousel Brainstorm?

Effective management requires clear transition signals, such as a bell or music, and specific roles for group members like a 'recorder' or 'timekeeper.' Providing different colored markers for each group also ensures accountability for their contributions.

Generate a Mission with Carousel Brainstorm

Use Flip Education to create a complete Carousel Brainstorm lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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