Spark Lab: Student Assessment Log

Earthquake Truss Challenge (Spatial Mechanics)

Scrap-to-Tool Invention (Divergent Ideation)

Select Current Activity / Challenge

1 - Random Stacking: Places pieces without plan; structure tips easily.

2 - Trial & Error: Tries basic shapes; relies on facilitator to fix balance.

3 - Basic Stability: Uses flat bases & columns; builds stable 2D structures.

4 - Advanced Geometry: Uses triangles/trusses; predicts load points before placing.

5 - Master Architect: Builds complex 3D structures independently with zero help.

1 - Guessing: Moves pieces randomly; doesn't follow step-by-step rules.

2 - Single-Step Focus: Solves 1 step at a time; gets confused on turns/direction.

3 - Linear Execution: Plans 3-4 steps ahead accurately; struggles to fix errors.

4 - Systematic Debugger: When stuck, pauses, traces backward, and isolates the bug.

5 - Optimization Expert: Finds the shortest, most elegant path with zero guidance.

1 - Immediate Shutdown: Walks away or gets upset as soon as build fails.

2 - Needs Encouragement: Hesitates after failure; requires prompt to retry.

3 - Quiet Retry: Resets the build calmly, but repeats the same mistake.

4 - Analytical Rebuild: Inspects why it broke, alters design, and tries again.

5 - Failure-Driven: Excited by collapse; treats failure as diagnostic data.