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

2. What do you do when you have a small problem?

3. What do you do when you have a BIG problem?

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

5. The Problem Solving Process involves 4 steps

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

7. ? #1 What’s in the bag? Construction Task Cards Materials for the task
Problem Solving Organizer ? #1
What’s in the bag?

8. Let’s try it out!

9. 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

10. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

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

12. 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

13. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

14. 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

15. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

16. 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

17. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

18. 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

19. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

20. 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

21. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem

22. 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

23. 1 2 4 3 SEE: What is the Problem? PLAN: Choose a Strategy
CHECK: Is the Problem Solved? 3
DO: Attack the Problem