Our Friday afternoon Problem-Solving Block introduced the new concept of the "Learning Pit" to the middle school. This idea, developed by James Nottingham, describes the process of encountering a challenge (falling into the pit) and continuing to try solutions until that challenge is completed (climbing out of the pit). Students took on a challenge outside in small groups, and some were more successful than others. However, every group tried multiple strategies without giving up, and that was really amazing to see! Afterward, we took time to draw our experience falling into the pit, starting to climb out, and then falling back in again. It was very interesting to see how many different ways groups were able to illustrate their journey!
During Integrated Inquiry we continued our work from last week exploring topics of interest for individual students, and in PLP time we moved forward creating our PLP websites. Some students were able to create their sites and record introductory videos that will be included on their profile page.