1. Critical Thinking
Some simple math. You’ll have 4 minutes to answer the following question. No cheating or talking.

2. Monk Steps
A monk has a very specific ritual for climbing up the steps to the temple. First he climbs up to the middle step and meditates for 1 minute. Then he climbs up 8 steps and faces east until he hears a bird singing. Then he walks down 12 steps and picks up a pebble. He takes one step up and tosses the pebble over his left shoulder. Now, he walks up the remaining steps three at a time which only takes him 9 paces. How many steps are there?

3. The Answer
There are 49 steps.  He climbs halfway, which is step 25. He hears the bird singing on step 33. He picks up the pebble on the 21st step and tosses it on the 22nd step. The remaining 27 steps are taken three at a time which is 9 paces.

4. 6. 8 x 3 steps each = 24 steps
2. Climb 8 steps.
1. Start in the middle
5. Back in the middle
4. Climb 1 step
3. Walk down 12 steps
steps on top; 24 on bottom and 1 in the middle = 49 steps.

5. Goals for the Day I can improve my understanding of a text.
When I understand the complexity of an issue, I can formulate a clear position and refine my argument by asking myself questions and by using feedback from my audience.

6. Vocabulary Week #25
This week we will once again only meet twice – Monday and Thursday. So, our quiz will be on Thursday this week.
Remember you’ll be responsible for week 1-25 words.
Continue to break your words into groups to help you study – words you know for sure, words you review a few times throughout the week, and words you struggle with and want to review daily.

7. Goals for the Day
I can improve my understanding of a text.

8. Improving Your understanding
Meet with your 2 o’clock appointment. You are NOT working in groups, do not sit over in the pods and form a group of 4.
If either partner missed a question, both of you will need to work on that question. For each question you missed, both of you will find the correct answer and then write a clear explanation of WHY that is the best answer choice. Write this as if I have no idea what the answer is or why. Work on explaining things as clearly as possible.
When you and your partner have finished, bring your new answers and explanations to me. Then, you will split up and each of you will go to help a new pair of students with their explanations. If we have a group of three, each of you will split and help until all students are finished and fully understand why each answer is the best choice.

9. Goals for the Day
When I understand the complexity of an issue, I can formulate a clear position and refine my argument by asking myself questions and by using feedback from my audience.

10. Reviewing your Argument – dumbest Generation
You should have completed your graphic organizer for homework and you should now have a pretty good idea of your overall position on this issue.
Take 6 minutes to review all aspects of your position. Be sure you are clear on your position and you don’t contradict yourself in any way.
You will be defending your position to the rest of the class, so know your argument!

11. Challenging to Refine
One student will stand and introduce his/her claim and support.
Listen closely to your peer’s answers.
Our goal as an audience is to help refine thinking – this is not a debate.
Ask specific questions that may reveal flaws/fallacies/holes in the argument. (One question per student).
Listen closely to the answer. Does the speaker have a clear answer that addresses the question? You do NOT have to agree with the answer, but determine whether there is a clear answer.
Audience - take notes on what you want to hear but do not. Note where you think there may be a logical fallacy or flaw in thinking. Take notes on ideas or concepts you think are strong or unique. Note if you hear something you had not considered. Be prepared to share your thoughts.

12. Small groups – challenging to refine
Follow the same procedure we just used – the goal is to help your peers refine.
One student will stand and introduce his/her claim and support.
Listen closely to your peer’s answers.
Our goal as an audience is to help refine thinking – this is not a debate.
Ask specific questions that may reveal flaws/fallacies/holes in the argument. (One question per student).
Listen closely to the answer. Does the speaker have a clear answer that addresses the question? You do NOT have to agree with the answer, but determine whether there is a clear answer.
Take some notes on what you wanted to hear but didn’t. Note where you think there may be a logical fallacy or flaw in thinking. Be prepared to share your thoughts.

13. Quick Write – how will you refine your argument based on the questions and feedback your peers gave you today?

14. Homework
Use your College Board account to review your PSAT test questions. Look over the website for tips on the SAT. Use the Khan Academy to go through and do some practice questions.
Complete at least one of the next three Albert Assignments by Thursday. You may complete the other two Albert assignments for extra credit.