How can information be organized to help with the decision making process?
In this unit of study, students use deductive reasoning to solve a mystery by making valid assumptions, determining dangerous generalizations, and recognizing false pretenses in order to eliminate suspects until left with the real culprit.
Students should understand that syllogisms help with drawing conclusions, generalizations can be dangerous, assumptions should be supported by facts and a hypothesis can be revised as new information is obtained.
Patterns is an interdisciplinary investigation of the world around us. Critical thinking skills are applied as students explore patterns found in nature, as well as those created by human beings. The first unit examines animal migration and the ways in which predators, prey, and human beings affect this annual behavior. The second unit, Astronomy, focuses specifically on constellation through an exploration of both science and the mythology that developed within various cultures about them. Patterns, as arrangements of repeated elements, will be evident within the math strand of the third unit. Among the topics investigated are patterns found in the measurement of time and money, Fibonacci sequences, and arithmetic and geometric progressions.
How can the meaning of words be used to understand the advanced vocabulary relationships within an analogy?
Students develop an understanding of the relationship between words while solving complex analogies in the WordMasters Challenge. Students should be able to identify the relationship within specific analogy types, understand and apply advanced vocabulary, develop verbal reasoning abilities, and address higher-order thinking.
Spontaneous Problem Solving
How can reflection and metacognition be used to expand ways of thinking and develop more uncommon responses?
Students will complete Spontaneous Problem Solving tasks, adapted from the international Odyssey of the Mind program requiring divergent thinking – the ability to generate a great number and wide variety of solutions - in a limited amount of time. Students should be able to identify a solution to the presented problem and use reflection and metacognition to provide uncommon responses.