The mitoncondria meme is a byword for useless knowledge.

Learning a series of science trivia will simply not teach you the structure of critical thinking.

Reciting a series of science fact is not a critical thinking activity, it is rote memorization of trivia.

Yes, effective critical thinking relies on a wealth of knowledge, but critical thinking is a set of applied skills about finding "your truth". These skills simply cannot be acquired by downloading a series of establishmebt vetted facts.

If anything, critical thinking would be better learned by teaching flat earth theory, without any disclaimer. You needs exposure to real false information at a minimum.

You need to learn healthy distrust of authorities. Something I have not encoutered once in 15 years of dreadful, boring and painful schooling.