Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Author Profile

Patricia McDaniels-Gomez's Profile

Profile Picture

Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

LEARN Author

K20 Center

About Me

Recent Publications

Trust Walk

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate

Partners take turns guiding each other blindfolded through a “minefield” obstacle course using only verbal directions. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group (at least 4)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Physical Movement, Problem Solving

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate
Tower Challenge

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate

Teams work together using strings attached to a rubber band to stack cups into the tallest tower possible without touching the cups directly. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group (at least 4)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • Less Than 10 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Physical Movement, Problem Solving, Speak & Listen

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate
Simple Simon

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate

Students must learn to override their instincts as they race to identify the paper with the correct color written on it rather than the color of the paper itself. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • Less Than 10 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Critical Thinking, Identify, Recognize, Speak & Listen, Text analysis

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate
Roll It Out

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate

Players take turns rolling a die to select reflection questions, then respond with their personal answers while others listen. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • Less Than 10 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Conversation Starter, Speak & Listen

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate
Web of Connections

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate

The activity uses string to create a web that shows group connections by highlighting commonalities among participants. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Whole Class

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Conversation Starter, Physical Movement, Speak & Listen

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate
The Success Loop

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate

Students work together in teams to move a hula hoop though a line without letting go of hands, learning how strategy and support improve success. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Physical Movement, Problem Solving

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate
Picture the Possibilities

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Secondary

The activity is a group puzzle challenge that highlights the importance of guidance, communication, and shared vision when working together. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group (at least 4)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Secondary
Human Knot

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate

The Human Knot is a fun, interactive activity that encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through collaboration. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Large Group (at least 30), Medium Group (at least 10), Whole Class

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Physical Movement, Problem Solving, Reflection

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Undergraduate
Drawn Together

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Secondary

This is a collaborative string-drawing challenge that requires teamwork to create a shared image. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group (at least 4)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Collaborate, Critical Thinking, Physical Movement, Problem Solving

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Secondary
Ice Breaker Collection

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Secondary

Looking for quick ice breaker activities? This collection of ice breakers offers numerous strategies that can be adapted for a variety of circumstances. Options range from lighthearted games to structured discussion, from personal to broadly applicable. These strategies create opportunities for participants... Read more »

Lesson Collection