The third graders continued their work with The Learning Pit and Transformation last week. They completed some activities that helped them think about how and why things transform. The students practiced making transformation chains. Each team got a sticky note with the word "seed" on it. The goal was to build as long of a chain of sticky notes as possible by adding notes that tell what that item can transform into. Example: Seed->sprout->pumpkin plant->pumpkin->jack o'lantern->compost->garden soil. The students were encouraged to think of as small and incremental changes as possible. Our takeaway was that small, subtle changes can lead to huge transformations.

The students also worked in groups to make lists of things that they struggle with and find easy/natural. This lead to discussions connected to the Learning Pit. Somethings are naturally easy for us, so navigating them is more like a "Learning Puddle." Other things are insurmountably difficult aka a "Learning Canyon." Our goal for school and for GATE is to find out way into the Goldilocks Zone of the "Learning Pit" as often as possible.

This week, the students learned about a huge project they will be undertaking, Invention Convention, or Invent Idaho. This is a state and national invention competition that will surely put every student into the Learning Pit. They got a start on their journals, and we will be continuing to work methodically through the invention process to prepare for the competition, which will take place at the beginning of December. Winners of the class competition will move onto the BSD District competition and have the chance to be selected for the Regional and possibly even the State competitions. 

I'm typically not a big fan of encouraging competition with GATE kids because many of them are so competitive as it is, but we will really place a big emphasis on how to compete in a healthy way and how to set expectations properly. I think it will be a great learning opportunity. All work can be completed within class on GATE days, but students are welcome to work outside of class as well if they are excited and their families support them.