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Developing Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills through Challenging Projects


Boys are challenged throughout our program to stretch beyond their comfort zones as they collaboratively solve problems. Working together with their classmates on a specific challenge requires analysis and repeated attempts before a successful solution is found. This is one way that essential critical thinking skills and a spirit of persistence are developed and honed in boys.

As an example, second graders are kicking off the year with an active engineering challenge in our new Innovation Lab that strengthens collaboration skills and promotes persistent and creative problem solving. The project requires our boys to work through the Engineering Design Cycle to build a cardboard structure of their choice: a tower as tall as their (very tall!) teachers, a vehicle mobile enough to transport an object across the room (on wheels along the ground, or airborne, along a zip line), a ball run timer consistent enough that the ball takes exactly 5 seconds to roll from top to bottom, or a cardboard chair sturdy enough to support a classmate.

Prior to choosing what they would build, the boys spent a week working with specialized cardboard carpentry tool kits practicing techniques like using triangular braces to reinforce 90 degree corners, attaching hinges to create flaps that can open and close, and cutting slots to connect planes of cardboard at perpendicular angles.

Their teachers find that the boys, enthused by a challenge that is so much fun and which enables them to use tools and build something with a purpose, are eager to share thoughts. They observe what is working, what might need to be adjusted, and why.

Projects like this put into play our boys' natural curiosity, creativity, and love of purposeful work. The boys also learn to respect materials, the process, and each other's ideas; practice taking risks; and come to view their inevitable "failures" as important learning opportunities that ultimately lead to innovative solutions.

 This is the first of many engaging units that lie ahead this year for our boys.





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