Problem Scale Slides Problem Lab
The Problem Scale
Investigating the size of our challenges and finding the right reaction.
What is a "Problem"?
A problem is something that happens that we didn't plan or don't like .
"Every problem has a size. If we know the size, we can pick the best way to handle it!"
Problem Detected
Level 1
The Glitch
What it looks like:
You dropped your pencil
Your paper has a tiny rip
You have to wait 10 seconds
The Fix:
"I can handle this all by myself. It's no big deal!"
Keep Calm Move On
Level 2
The Bump
What it looks like:
You can't find your eraser
Someone is making a noise
You didn't get your favorite seat
The Fix:
"I might need a deep breath or a small reminder, but I'm okay."
Deep Breath Try Again
Level 3
The Hurdle
What it looks like:
You and a friend are arguing
You don't understand the work
Someone is being unkind on purpose
The Fix:
"I need an adult to help me solve this or use a talk-it-out tool."
Ask for Help Talk it Out
Level 4
The Mountain
What it looks like:
Someone is physically hurt
There is a fire or dangerous situation
A major emergency
The Fix:
"STOP EVERYTHING! Get an adult IMMEDIATELY!"
Emergency Act Fast
Match Your Reaction
Problem Size
MEDIUM
Reaction Size
MEDIUM
If the reaction is BIGGER than the problem, the problem gets harder to solve!
Investigation Time
Now it's your turn to be a Problem Detective. Use your sorting skills to categorize the cases in your lab notebook!
Think
Sort
Solve
Problem Sort Worksheet Problem Lab Notebook
Case File: Size Investigation
Agent:
Date:
Categorize the scenarios from the bottom section into the correct level on the Problem Scale . Think about who can solve it and how long it lasts.
Level 1
GLITCH
Self-Solve
Level 2
BUMP
Small Fix
Level 3
HURDLE
Needs Help
Level 4
MOUNTAIN
Emergency
Case Scenarios for Investigation
Someone is badly hurt and can't get up.
Your shoe came untied during class.
Two friends are yelling and won't stop.
You dropped your snack on the floor.
You can't see the board from your seat.
A classmate is poking you during a lesson.
You smell smoke coming from the hallway.
You don't understand the assignment.
Investigation Log
Case Reflections & Evidence
1. Why is it important to know the "Size of the Problem" before we react?
2. Think of a "Level 2 (Bump)" problem you had recently. What was your reaction? Did it match the problem?
Detective Pro-Tip:
If you are ever unsure, check in with a teacher or adult. Helping others solve problems is what they are there for!
Scenario Cards Activity Scenario Investigation Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. All cards follow a neutral investigation style.
Case #001
You accidentally dropped your glue stick and it rolled under the table.
Investigation Required
Case #002
Someone sitting next to you keeps humming while you are trying to work.
Investigation Required
Case #003
Someone in your group took the red marker you were using and won't give it back.
Investigation Required
Case #004
You see a student fall off the swing set and they are crying very loudly.
Investigation Required
Case #005
You can't remember if the word is spelled with a "C" or a "K".
Investigation Required
Case #006
Your teacher passes out papers, and yours has a small coffee smudge on it.
Investigation Required
Case #007
You forgot your lunch at home and you don't have any money for a school lunch.
Investigation Required
Case #008
The fire alarm starts ringing and everyone needs to line up immediately.
Investigation Required
Case #009
You can't find your favorite blue crayon, but you have three other blues.
Investigation Required
Case #010
The computer is moving very slowly and taking a long time to load your game.
Investigation Required
Investigation Challenge
What would a SMALL reaction look like for this case? What would a BIG reaction look like? Which one fits better?
Case #___
Investigator Original
Case #___
Investigator Original
