Ms. Musolino's Classroom Edit display name

James Madison Elementary School
San Leandro, CA
More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Past projects 1

Problem Solvingpalooza - Using Critical Thinking Games to Increase Intelligence
Funded Jan 17, 2022
Although they were forewarned of the upcoming "cool stuff" that would be delivered, they were extatic to see the Rubick's Cubes. At first they didn't know what to make of the Equilibrio/Archiecto and the SETS games. Once they figured it out.... they were off in a mad frenzy to collect the most sets. It was really amazing to see the students work on visual problem solving activities that took away the language barrier that some of our students encounter. Everyone was on the same playing fiield, so to speak.
Room 59 had a marvelous time figuring out how to solve the Rubik's Cube. It is a step-by-step process using an algorithm. Most children were off and running, wanting to do it on their own. However, there was a great lesson in that it was only those that followed the guide were able to solve the final steps - hence the lesson in reading manuals and following directions! What's next? Creating mosaics with the cubes!
Your support has been invaluable!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Musolino

We are so excited to be back to school but were looking forward to a Problem Based Learning (PBL) project that would bring us out into the community to discover the current status of the area's indigenous people. Since we feel safer at school due to COVID, we would like to switch our project's focus to developing our critical (logical) thinking skills while solving the Rubik's cube and using other critically-acclaimed learning activities. Contrary to current growth mindset research, critical thinking and problem solving activities have historically been limited to the gifted and talented population. Intelligence was once thought as a fixed human trait. We now know that skills associated with critical thinking can be taught, developed, and nurtured, ultimately leading to the increased ability to problem solve. It's time for our 4th grade class, students at all learning levels, to develop deeper thinking skills and have fun at the same time! 21st Century Learning Skills are at the center of our Problem Solvingpalooza - Learning and Innovation Skills, Media Literacy, and Life & Career Skills. First, the 4th grade students will learn how to solve the 3x3 cube by following directions from a complex guide, using simple algorithms, and exploring geometric concepts. Supplementing the Rubik's cube project are critically-acclaimed activities such as the card games Set and Swish, in addition to the leveled-games Equilibrio and Architecto.

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Ms. Musolino's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Musolino's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

Problem Solvingpalooza - Using Critical Thinking Games to Increase Intelligence

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Musolino's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Musolino's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

Problem Solvingpalooza - Using Critical Thinking Games to Increase Intelligence

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.