Lesson Plan: Mystery Box Challenge
Lesson Plan: Mystery Box Challenge
Grade Level: K-12
Subject: Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
Duration: 60 minutes
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade-level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade-level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade-level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade-level topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Objectives:
- Students will demonstrate creative thinking and problem-solving skills through a mystery box challenge.
- Students will work collaboratively in teams to brainstorm, plan, and execute their challenge.
- Students will present their final creations and explain their problem-solving process.
- Students will evaluate and provide constructive feedback to other teams.
Materials:
- Mystery boxes (can be simple shoeboxes or similar containers)
- Assorted items or materials to place inside the mystery boxes (e.g., random objects, craft supplies, household items)
- Paper and pencils for brainstorming and planning
- Presentation materials (optional) such as poster boards, markers, or PowerPoint slides
Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Engage students by explaining that they will be participating in a mystery box challenge, where they will have to solve a problem using only the items inside the box.
- Describe the challenge as a fun and creative way to practice problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Emphasize that the process and collaboration are more important than the final outcome.
2. Mystery Box Reveal (5 minutes):
- Present the mystery boxes to the students, one per team or group.
- Instruct students to open their boxes and examine the contents without discussing or sharing their findings with other teams.
3. Brainstorming and Planning (20 minutes):
- Allow teams to brainstorm and discuss possible problems they can solve using the items in the mystery box.
- Instruct students to plan their solution, considering the materials available and the problem they want to address.
- Encourage students to think outside the box and be creative in their problem-solving approach.
4. Execution (20 minutes):
- Give students time to work on their solutions, using the materials from the mystery box.
- Circulate among the teams, offering guidance and support as needed.
- Encourage students to collaborate, delegate tasks, and communicate effectively within their teams.
5. Presentation and Feedback (10 minutes per team):
- Have each team present their final creation, explaining the problem they addressed and how they used the items from the mystery box.
- Encourage teams to share their problem-solving process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
- After each presentation, allow time for other teams to provide constructive feedback and ask questions.
6. Conclusion (5 minutes):
- Summarize the challenge by highlighting the importance of creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
- Emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer in this challenge, as the process and effort put into solving the problem are what matter most.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
