Critical Thinking Through Solving Detective Puzzles and Making Your Own
Critical Thinking Through Solving Detective Puzzles and Making Your Own
Quantum Montessori
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(5)
What's included
6 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Homework will be short, solo, and not require any specific reading. In different sessions, students will be asked to: Brainstorm a list of distinct but ordinary situations that might make good detective puzzles Draft a puzzle of their own based on their ideas in workshop that day Revise and complete creating a puzzle, again based on workshop and discussion that dayAssessment
Brief Assessment of critical thinking skills as demonstrated by participation. I’ll write brief (and generally encouraging) feedback about the critical thinking skills that the student displayed (and especially improved a bit) by participating in the course.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Critical thinking skills, including decision making, problem solving, analyzing, and reasoning Teamwork skills in cooperative games A bit of how to lead a group discussion. This class is built around interaction. For the puzzle game, students will ask me questions, and I will answer yes/no/rephrase. They will interact with each other, too, since they can only solve the puzzle by paying close attention to each others' questions and answers and working together. Mid-course, this will shift to workshop as they draft and create their own puzzles, with some playtesting of an example or two. I'll be available to answer individual questions and kick around ideas. The last part of the course will give students a turn to run the game as their classmates solve the puzzle each student created. To help all this happen, there will be some brief lecture at the start of class, with some review, and lots of teachable moments along the way. There will also be some discussion and review to wrap up each session. Class each time begins with a short segment of instruction (asking for help to review the previous concepts). For the largest part of class, students are actively involved. In the first two classes, they solve the puzzles by working together, paying close attention to each other's questions and answers. In the next two or three classes, this shifts to workshop time as they create their own puzzles, with the teacher helping and checking in. In the last two classes, students who choose can take turns presenting their puzzles, which classmates solve together. Each class wraps up with a review, with small amounts of homework assigned to prepare for a few classes. Short form: guide on the side. I facilitate learning. Class structure is designed to give students pieces they need to start, then get them involved as much as possible, and last to review briefly at the end. Questions are welcome. I'm willing to say, “I don't know.” Learning can be an exciting new challenge, and this class is a set of activities that I've done with my community college students for many years, adapted a bit for the age range here. I treat people with respect, try to give grace, and encourage the best they can do. Again, guide on the side and facilitator. The guiding principle for everyone for every class I teach is to treat others (and yourself) the way you want to be treated. It's fair to model that behavior to get that behavior. For example, since I want people to treat everyone with respect, I do the same. I gently refocus people and encourage but don't demand that they participate. I try to remember that not everyone has the same practice at the same skills and that people often greatly fear perceived failure. Then I help people learn and grow.
Learning Goals
Students will practice critical thinking skills, including decision making, problem solving, analyzing, and reasoning.Students will practice cooperating and careful listening skills.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Solving Puzzles
This starts with a puzzle. It teaches a bit about precise questions and breaks down what they want to know into pieces that fit yes/no. I'll guide them a little to help them rephrase as needed. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Puzzles and Reasoning Skills
After a short review, we'll try two or three more puzzles, plus some discussion where students brainstorm possible uses for these reasoning skills in the real world. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
What makes these work?
This includes more puzzles, but the focus shifts to how these were created. What makes a puzzle work? Homework will be to brainstorm some possible choices for a puzzle. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Make Your Own Detective Puzzle
It's time to make their own detective puzzles. We'll practice and play test, and I'll teach a step by step method for creating a puzzle. Students will workshop to choose a distinct moment and draft a puzzle, making decisions like a movie director choosing setting, cast, and story. Homework will be to finish a draft (or part) on their own. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
I create an inclusive and respectful classroom for everyone. I am practiced at gently refocusing people and at encouraging (but not demanding) everyone's active participation, which supports everyone. But beyond that, no, there isn't specif
Supply List
None needed. They may wish to write or type things.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2023
5.0
5reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have teaching certificates
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate
3 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Music from University of Tennessee
Master's Degree from Cranfield University Bedfordshire
Master's Degree in Education from Wright State University
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Babcock University
Quantum Montessori offers short-term but meaningful small group classes to complement your homeschool curriculum. Whether it is Montessori, astronomy, finance, art, literacy, or interactive language and cultural lessons, Quantum Montessori has it all. 🌟
Quantum Montessori offers a dynamic educational experience for learners from preschool to adolescence. Our Outschool offerings focus on one-time and short-term Montessori classes, short-term Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Emotional Intelligence classes, and short-term STEAM enrichment classes.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS ✨
💡 Quantum Montessori classes cover Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, Science, and Culture to foster independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
🧠 Our short-term SEL and Emotional Intelligence classes, alongside STEAM enrichment, enhance the Montessori foundation with subjects like Historically Accurate History, Literacy, Science, Math, Social Studies, World History, and STEAM to spark creativity and prepare students for global citizenship.
🤝 Our approach includes project-based learning to encourage students to solve real-world problems and collaborate, making learning engaging and practical.
⭐️ Success Coaches provide exceptional support, helping students excel academically and develop essential life skills, including academic advising, college and career planning, and emotional support.
🚀 Quantum Montessori emphasizes STEAM education through short-term enrichment classes, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with hands-on, experiential learning taught by experts.
WHY CHOOSE QUANTUM MONTESSORI? 🌈
👉 Students can explore a wide range of subjects beyond traditional curricula, fostering curiosity and personal interests.
👉 Classes are taught by certified Montessori educators and specialists, ensuring high-quality educational experiences that align with Montessori principles.
👉 Enjoy flexible scheduling and the ability to participate from anywhere, accommodating diverse lifestyles and needs.
👉 Quantum Montessori on Outschool fosters a supportive community environment where students can interact, collaborate, and learn from peers.
OUR MISSION
At Quantum Montessori, our mission is to spread heart-centered education that motivates, transforms, and innovates within our local and global communities. We are committed to nurturing each child's mind, body, and soul through a holistic approach integrating Montessori principles, STEAM education, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love for learning, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. We celebrate diversity, promote compassion, and empower children to become responsible global citizens, contributing positively to society.
OUR VISION
We envision spreading heart-centered education that motivates, transforms, and innovates within our local and global communities. We empower children with the tools they need to contribute compassionately and respectfully to their communities.
WE ARE:
🌼 Montessori Certified Guides: Trained in Montessori education, fostering independence and curiosity across various age groups.
🌼 Specialists in Project-Based Learning: Skilled in creating experiences that encourage critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.
🌼 Subject Matter Experts: Bringing deep knowledge in areas like Historically Accurate History, Science, Math, Literacy, and STEAM to life in the classroom.
🌼 Experienced Online Educators: Proficient in creating engaging, interactive digital learning experiences.
🌼 Success Coaches: Incorporating a holistic educational approach, coaches provide support beyond the classroom, including personal growth and future aspirations.
🌼 Social Emotional Learning Advocates: Prioritizing the emotional and social development of students through SEL principles.
Join us at Quantum Montessori on Outschool for a holistic, enriching educational journey that nurtures the whole child and prepares them for a bright future.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
weekly or $180 for 6 classes2x per week, 3 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
2-10 learners per class
