First we worked on our stations including:
- Convergent Thinking: We solved another challenging gridless logic puzzle and a figural analogy. The kids are getting the hang of these!
- Divergent Thinking: We reflected on a time when something just "Snapped into Place" for us and created a verbal or visual representation. This was a connection with our novel.
- Algebraic Thinking: Hands On Equations became part of our station time to allow for small groups working at their own pace. This provides more teacher support as needed.
InVenture Challenge:
Our work started with a video about IDEO, one of the world's best known product design firms. The kids really enjoyed seeing professionals at work and learned a lot about the importance of each step in the Design Thinking Process. We moved into an activity where we reviewed the Top 10 Inventions of all time and then brainstormed ideas for the 11th Greatest Invention of all time. Next, we evaluated each idea using our given criteria and ranked them according to our decision matrix. From there, we took some of these ideas and ranked them with our new activity, "Ready to Order." Although it doesn't sound like a challenge, this activity involves high level evaluative thinking skills as the kids have to decide which item to move and then defend their choice to the group. Check out the photos below.
Affective:
We worked on how to give and receive critical feedback. This was challenging for some, but in the end very positive. The ability to offer and accept constructive feedback is important and will be very useful in our InVenture Challenge this semester!
We also continued our mindfulness practice with a video about Anxiety and then some simple breathing exercises.
Novel Study:
We finished our day with more work on our novel, The Fourteenth Goldfish.. We tried some observation tests to practice the most important scientific skill. Then we challenged our critical thinking with several Kahoot questions during our reading time.
HW: Edmodo
Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger