Idea+Puzzle

=Idea Puzzle=



__**Directions**__:
 * Hand out all the pieces of the puzzle except the small square marked X.
 * Each piece represents someone's idea.
 * Once the students are given the pieces, no further instruction is given, most students will begin to arrange the pieces on their own. In a short amount of time, the students will put the pieces together to form a square.


 * Once all the students have arranged the pieces to produce figure 2, hand out the small square marked X to each student and explain that a new idea that someone has contributed to the group.
 * You can adapt this to any lesson that you feel appropriate. It can represent a new student in the school, a different way of looking at a situation, etc.
 * Students must somehow incorporate this new information to their puzzle.
 * Encourage students to work individually at first, and then, to work in groups if the frustration level rises.
 * Once all or most of the students have arranged the pieces correctly, I ask them to brainstorm and share how this activity is similar to incorporating all ideas in a group setting.


 * __Teacher Notes__**
 * Cut out the pieces ahead of time so that they are separated. Hand them out in an envelope to each group.
 * The final puzzle is difficult, but let them struggle!


 * __Take Away Message__**
 * Just because someone has an idea or belief that is different from your original understanding, it does not mean that it is incorrect and cannot fit into what you understand.
 * Every idea and belief is important and should be part of the puzzle of a cooperative group.

Original Source: http://www.scienceteacherprogram.org/genscience/Choi04.html

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