Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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Patricia McDaniels-Gomez's Profile

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Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

LEARN Author

K20 Center

About Me

Recent Publications

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
Hole in One

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Secondary

A quick activity where participants try to cut a hole in a single sheet of paper large enough to step through; they then debrief how creative thinking led to a solution. Read more »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

December 18th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Hole in One

User Group Group Size

  • Individual, Small Group, 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, Brainstorming, Critical Thinking, Hypothesize, Interpret, Problem Solving, Reason

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th - Secondary
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
Boards Up

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate

Small groups compete to correctly answer the largest number of trivia questions. Read more »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

December 18th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Boards Up

User Group Group Size

  • Individual, Small Group, Small Group (at least 4)

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Explain/Closing, Evaluate/Assessment

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 20 - 30 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Evaluate, Reflection, Review, Speak & Listen, Summarize

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - Undergraduate
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 30th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Trust Walk

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 30th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Tower Challenge

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 30th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Simple Simon

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 30th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Roll It Out

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 10th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Web of Connections

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 10th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
The Success Loop

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 10th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Picture the Possibilities

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
Strategy Instructional Strategy
Cover Image
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 »

Created by: Patricia McDaniels-Gomez

October 10th, 2025

Strategy Instructional Strategy
Human Knot

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