Thinking Journey for Grade 3

Description

An in depth look at the skills this test will accomplish:

Learning Strategies: Anchors

• Description:In this workout, students will be introduced to the concept of anchors as a valuable tool for effective planning. The concept will be presented initially within the context of the PingWins game, offering a concrete example of how anchors can assist in devising solutions. Subsequently, we will explore its applications in broader contexts beyond the game setting. This approach aims to enable students to understand the principles of anchors and their versatile application in problem-solving scenarios beyond the confines of the game.
• Leading Game:PingWins
  Ping-Wins is a puzzle game requiring analysis abilities. Players must use their logical and problem-solving skills to complete levels. As they progress, the levels become more challenging and more complex. The game is characterized by problems requiring high analytical skills and the identification of anchors that lead to conclusions and finally a solution.

Learning Strategies: Asking Questions

• Description:In this workout, students will actively participate in honing their skills of asking questions, understanding its significance as a valuable tool for gathering and analyzing information. The game will present them with challenging and advanced positions that will require them to pause, attentively examine the game board, and assess the current state of the pieces . By employing deliberate questions, they will enhance their ability to make well-informed and strategic decisions.
• Leading Game:Lockdown
  Lockdown is a strategy game set in a secret high-tech lab. An advanced robot rebels and tries to escape. In order to block his progress, you must use resources (barriers). The game is characterized by the constant need to manage risk and to adopt a Preventive Thinking state of mind. This is in order to anticipate and avoid any possible escape routes for the robot. This requires the player to think ahead and plan for potential scenarios.

Learning Strategies: Effective use of resources

• Description:In this workout, students will be introduced to the concept that game pieces are valuable resources, and they should be utilized strategically to maximize their benefits. The emphasis will be on understanding that resources serve as a means to achieve our goals, regardless of the specific objectives in the game.
• Leading Game:Clash
  Clash is a strategic game. Players are represented by opposing green and white marbles on a hexagonal board. They have the objective of pushing the opponent’s marbles off the edge of the board.The game is characterized by a dynamic environment. It is a game of skill and strategy, requiring players to exercise strategic thinking alongside thinking ahead and planning their moves to win.

Learning Strategies: Anchors-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will delve deeper into the concept of anchors and explore how they play a crucial role in more complex game levels. As we progress, we will witness the significance of anchors as they provide us with stable points to rely on during the game. By encountering challenging scenarios, students will learn how to identify and utilize anchors effectively, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and strategies in the face of uncertainty.
• Leading Game:PingWins
  Ping-Wins is a puzzle game requiring analysis abilities. Players must use their logical and problem-solving skills to complete levels. As they progress, the levels become more challenging and more complex. The game is characterized by problems requiring high analytical skills and the identification of anchors that lead to conclusions and finally a solution.

Learning Strategies:Asking Questions-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will further emphasize the importance of asking questions as a means of collecting data and analyzing available information. Students will develop a deeper appreciation for how this skill helps us focus on what is truly important and urgent, both within the game and in broader contexts.
• Leading Game:Lockdown
  Lockdown is a strategy game set in a secret high-tech lab. An advanced robot rebels and tries to escape. In order to block his progress, you must use resources (barriers). The game is characterized by the constant need to manage risk and to adopt a Preventive Thinking state of mind. This is in order to anticipate and avoid any possible escape routes for the robot. This requires the player to think ahead and plan for potential scenarios.

Learning Strategies: Effective use of resources-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will further explore the concept of resources and delve into diverse game positions to learn how to optimize their management effectively. Throughout the workout, students will encounter various scenarios that challenge them to make strategic decisions about resource allocation.
• Leading Game:Clash
  Clash is a strategic game. Players are represented by opposing green and white marbles on a hexagonal board. They have the objective of pushing the opponent’s marbles off the edge of the board.The game is characterized by a dynamic environment. It is a game of skill and strategy, requiring players to exercise strategic thinking alongside thinking ahead and planning their moves to win.

Mathematical Thinking: Move Order

• Description:In this workout, students will engage in a puzzle game to practice identifying the correct order of actions. They will learn that effective problem-solving, both in the game and real-life scenarios, begins with recognizing the proper move order.
• Leading Game:Move It
  Move It is a puzzle game where players maneuver through a room cluttered with furniture and boxes. Their objective is to strategically shift obstacles like sofas, tables, and bookshelves to forge a pathway for the mover to the exit. This game enhances problem-solving skills, promotes forward-thinking, and offers an engaging experience while progressively honing students’ spatial reasoning and strategic thinking abilities.

Mathematical Thinking: Calculation

• Description:In this workout, students will be introduced to a counter-intuitive problem-solving method – working backward. They will learn that certain problems require starting from the end, defining the goal, and then calculating the steps backward to reach the initial point.
• Leading Game:The Kings Game
  The Kings game is a fast-paced and strategic game that hones precise move planning. Players practice their ability to strategize from the end point or target, making crucial decisions on their first move after assessing the situation.

Mathematical Thinking: Breaking Down a Problem

• Description:In this workout, students will be introduced to a crucial problem-solving technique known as breaking down the problem into small problems. They will learn that in many situations, it is more manageable and efficient to address several smaller problems rather than confronting one large and overwhelming problem.
• Leading Game:MaxIt
  Maxit is a two-player strategy game played on an 8×8 square board. The board is randomly filled with numbers and a star is placed on one of the squares. One player plays in the rows and the other in the columns. The objective of the game is to collect more points than the opponent by selecting squares that maximize the sum of their numbers. However, players must also anticipate and adapt to a constantly changing board, adding a layer of complexity to the game that requires planning and strategy.

Mathematical Thinking: Move Order-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will further focus on the ability to recognize and act according to the order of actions. Students will understand that if they do not execute actions in the correct sequence, they might achieve different outcomes than initially planned.
• Leading Game:Move It
  Move It is a puzzle game where players maneuver through a room cluttered with furniture and boxes. Their objective is to strategically shift obstacles like sofas, tables, and bookshelves to forge a pathway for the mover to the exit. This game enhances problem-solving skills, promotes forward-thinking, and offers an engaging experience while progressively honing students’ spatial reasoning and strategic thinking abilities.

Mathematical Thinking: Calculation-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will continue our exploration of the effective problem-solving method of planning from the end to the beginning. Through a series of advanced and diverse game positions, students will further deepen their understanding and application of this approach.
• Leading Game:The Kings Game
  The Kings game is a fast-paced and strategic game that hones precise move planning. Players practice their ability to strategize from the end point or target, making crucial decisions on their first move after assessing the situation.

Mathematical Thinking: Breaking Down a Problem-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we will further explore and refine the ability to break down large problems into smaller, manageable parts. Through a diverse range of game positions, we will demonstrate the practical application of this method. Additionally, we will present examples showcasing how this approach extends beyond the game and proves useful in various real-life contexts.
• Leading Game:MaxIt
  Maxit is a two-player strategy game played on an 8×8 square board. The board is randomly filled with numbers and a star is placed on one of the squares. One player plays in the rows and the other in the columns. The objective of the game is to collect more points than the opponent by selecting squares that maximize the sum of their numbers. However, players must also anticipate and adapt to a constantly changing board, adding a layer of complexity to the game that requires planning and strategy.

Scientific Thinking: Identifying Anchors

• Description:In this workout, we will revisit the concept of identifying anchors and delve into their significance in problem-solving. Students will discover that locating the initial anchor plays a crucial role in recognizing subsequent anchors, ultimately guiding us toward resolving the challenges at hand.
• Leading Game:LightsOn
  LightsOn is an engaging puzzle game that offers a progressive difficulty level. The objective is to strategically place light bulbs to illuminate the game board. To succeed, students must apply logical reasoning and seek out key anchors that will systematically guide them towards the goal. As they navigate through the challenges, their ability to think critically and strategically will be sharpened.

Scientific Thinking: Eliminating alternative

• Description:In this workout, students will be introduced to a vital problem-solving and decision-making tool – the elimination of options. This tool will enable them to streamline their efforts, focusing on the most promising paths that lead to the desired results while discarding less favorable ones. By mastering this technique, students will enhance their ability to make effective decisions and solve problems efficiently.
• Leading Game:Eco Logic
  Eco Logic is an engaging puzzle game that features a game board composed of squares and path-shaped game tiles. In each stage of the game, students will be presented with a list of tasks and constraints. Their objective is to strategically assemble routes on the game board based on the given list. By doing so, the game fosters logical thinking, encourages effective planning, and enhances understanding of constraints.

Scientific Thinking: Patterns

• Description:In this workout, students will delve into the concept of patterns and learn how to identify a winning pattern in the Night Watch game. By understanding and recognizing patterns, they will unlock the key to victory and sharpen their strategic thinking skills.
• Leading Game:Night Watch
  Night Watch game is a strategic game played on a checkered board, featuring 4 guards and a thief. Both sides have opposing goals, with the thief aiming to find an escape route while the guards collaborate to capture and restrict the thief’s movements. This game encourages players to delve into the mindset of the opposing party to understand their game plan, adding an element of strategic thinking and empathy to the gameplay.

Scientific Thinking: Identifying Anchors-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, students will encounter progressively intricate game positions as the game complexity and board size increase. This dynamic will underscore the growing significance of finding the anchor. With challenges becoming more intricate, the ability to identify the anchor becomes increasingly crucial, empowering students to navigate skillfully and ultimately master the game.
• Leading Game:LightsOn
  LightsOn is an engaging puzzle game that offers a progressive difficulty level. The objective is to strategically place light bulbs to illuminate the game board. To succeed, students must apply logical reasoning and seek out key anchors that will systematically guide them towards the goal. As they navigate through the challenges, their ability to think critically and strategically will be sharpened.

Scientific Thinking: Eliminating alternative-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, we’ll focus on mastering option elimination in decision-making. As the game gets more challenging with a wider range of actions, intelligent elimination will be crucial. Students will learn to make confident and precise choices in complex situations.
• Leading Game:Eco Logic
  Eco Ligic is an engaging puzzle game that features a game board composed of squares and path-shaped game tiles. In each stage of the game, students will be presented with a list of tasks and constraints. Their objective is to strategically assemble routes on the game board based on the given list. By doing so, the game fosters logical thinking, encourages effective planning, and enhances understanding of constraints.

Scientific Thinking: Patterns-b

• Description:During the advanced workout, students will persist in honing their pattern recognition skills and comprehending the significance of patterns in various life contexts, ranging from everyday gestures to complex games.
• Leading Game:Night Watch
  Night Watch game is a strategic game played on a checkered board, featuring 4 guards and a thief. Both sides have opposing goals, with the thief aiming to find an escape route while the guards collaborate to capture and restrict the thief’s movements. This game encourages players to delve into the mindset of the opposing party to understand their game plan, adding an element of strategic thinking and empathy to the gameplay.

Flexible Thinking: The Big Picture

• Description:In this workout, students will familiarize themselves with the concept of key points. By participating in the Elements game, they will gain a deeper insight into how recognizing key points can significantly benefit them in outplaying their opponents. This understanding will empower students to navigate the game strategically and elevate their chances of achieving success.
• Leading Game:Elements
  Elements is a strategy game designed for two players. Both players try to control the game board. Control will be achieved if you identify the key points and catch them before the opponent. Attention to detail and timing are essential to success. The game is characterized by a changing environment. The game position changes dramatically with each move. The game requires adjusting the game plan and identifying the key points that will remain stable throughout the game.

Flexible Thinking: Coping with Changes

• Description:In this workout, we will revisit playing PingWins, but with a twist—incorporating an array of changes and surprises in the game. The main objective is to cultivate the students’ capacity to respond to unexpected events in a well-balanced manner, ensuring that these surprises do not disrupt their performance. This exercise will foster adaptability and resilience, preparing students to tackle unforeseen challenges effectively.
• Leading Game:PingWins
  Ping-Wins is a puzzle game requiring analysis abilities. Players must use their logical and problem-solving skills to complete levels. As they progress, the levels become more challenging and more complex. The game is characterized by problems requiring high analytical skills and the identification of anchors that lead to conclusions and finally a solution.

Flexible Thinking: Change Perspective

• Description:In this workout, students will engage in the mystery box game, confronting diverse and seemingly unrelated stages. As they progress, they will develop the ability to discern repeating patterns, simplifying their approach to the game.
• Leading Game:The Mystery Box
  The Mystery Box is a rule-free game where the goal is to find the right sequence of actions using creative thinking. Each challenge is unique, but students will discover repeating solution patterns as they progress

Flexible Thinking: The Big Picture-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, the primary focus will be on improving the skill of identifying key points in diverse real-life scenarios. Understanding and recognizing these key points will provide a significant advantage in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Leading Game:Elements
  Elements is a strategy game designed for two players. Both players try to control the game board. Control will be achieved if you identify the key points and catch them before the opponent. Attention to detail and timing are essential to success. The game is characterized by a changing environment. The game position changes dramatically with each move. The game requires adjusting the game plan and identifying the key points that will remain stable throughout the game.

Flexible Thinking: Coping with Changes-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, students will encounter more surprises and changes in the game. They will learn the importance of identifying what remains unchanged—a vital aspect for problem-solving and decision-making.
• Leading Game:PingWins
  Ping-Wins is a puzzle game requiring analysis abilities. Players must use their logical and problem-solving skills to complete levels. As they progress, the levels become more challenging and more complex. The game is characterized by problems requiring high analytical skills and the identification of anchors that lead to conclusions and finally a solution.

Flexible Thinking: Change Perspective-b

• Description:In the advanced workout, the main focus will be on pattern recognition. Developing the ability to define patterns will not only aid in identifying them within the game but also in various real-life scenarios. This skill will prove valuable for the students’ problem-solving abilities and critical thinking beyond the confines of the game.
• Leading Game:The Mystery Box
  The Mystery Box is a rule-free game where the goal is to find the right sequence of actions using creative thinking. Each challenge is unique, but students will discover repeating solution patterns as they progress.