Can I adapt?

the role of cognitive flexibility

Remember that you should have completed this lab on the Circuit Playground Express.

Part 1: External components

We can use alligator clips easily with the Circuit Playground Express. 

• Load this sketch, adapted from the Blink program to use pin 6 instead of LED_BUILTIN

(This page describes how the digital pins are labeled on the board itself.)

int ledPin = 6; // control D6 (A1 on CPE)

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board

void setup() {

  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.

  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);

}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever

void loop() {

  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)

  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second

  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW

  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second

}

Part 2: Group brainstorm [5 minutes]

In groups of 2-3, what could you make that uses the light sensor and an external LED as output?

• You should use the sensed light level as the input.

• You should use LEDs as the output.

Cognitive flexibility

• Be open

• Try different perspectives 

• Generate multiple solutions

Fishbowl activity

• Each group will get:

  • A pivot prompt

  • 3 minutes to “own” the room: brainstorm how to adapt

  • Everyone else, please remain silent

• When it is not your group’s turn, stretch your cognitive flexibility by listening in for different perspectives. Jot down thoughts and ideas, but please do not distract the group that is working.

• Remember: It’s about your approach and stretching cognitive flexibility, not about finding the “right” solution.

  • Practice active listening.

  • Move from
    “It is...” or “It must be...”
    to
    “Could it be..?” or “Might it be…?” 

  • Articulate your approach.

  • Explicitly name what’s difficult (maybe the activity itself).