Construction Thinker’s Key Mini Lesson CCSD Advanced Learning – Talent Development

What do you do when you have a small problem?

What do you do when you have a BIG problem?

How do you solve problems? Evaluative thinking is the process of applying and adapting a variety of strategies to solve problems.

The Problem Solving Process involves 4 steps

Today we will use the 'Thinkers Keys' in our classroom to practice problem solving using Mystery Bags. Thinker’s Keys

? #1 What’s in the bag? Construction Task Cards Materials for the task Problem Solving Organizer ? #1 What’s in the bag?

Let’s try it out!

Task Card Sample Build the highest possible self-supporting structure. Materials: 10 straws and 4 rubber bands. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card Sample

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Construction Thinker’s Key Printable Task Cards CCSD Advanced Learning – Talent Development

Task Card #1 Build a parachute for small animals Materials:  3 pieces of paper, 5 paper clips, string, 1 large notecard, 3 pieces of sticky tape, small animal toy Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #1

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Build a platform which will suspend a house brick as high as possible in the air.  Materials: One house brick, 10 straws and some sticky tape. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #2

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Build the ‘Story Bridge’ - a book placed as high as possible on a straw platform.  Materials:  a book, 10 straws and some sticky tape. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #3

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Task Card #4 Propel a balloon as far as possible through the air. Materials: 1 balloon, 1 straw, some sticky tape, a length of string, and a pair of scissors. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #4

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Place a rubber band as far from the edge of a desk as possible. Materials: 10 popsicle sticks, 6 rubber bands. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #5

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem

Task Card #6 Balance a marble as high in the air as possible. Materials: 1 marble, 20 straws, 1 paper clip. Use the organizer on the back of the card to help you plan a solution. Task Card #6

1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3 DO: Attack the Problem