April 30, 2012

The Halton District School Board recently hosted the 32nd annual Think Bowl competitions.

They involved more than 600 Junior Level (Grades 5 and 6) and Intermediate Level (Grades 7 and 8) students. These competitions provide them with an opportunity to challenge their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Specifically, students worked in teams to analyze a problem scenario and brainstorm solutions to actual, real-world problems. The teams were required to show their thinking by answering a series of questions in a booklet and then present their solution in the form of a drama presentation before a judging panel, their peers and invited family members. The teams were judged on their drama skills and booklet solutions.

“The 32nd annual competition was another success with many schools participating that had not been a part of Think Bowl in the past,” says Mary Kebalo-Plata,  Regional Itinerant Resource Teacher for the Gifted for the Board. “We had the support of some awesome student volunteers from Iroquois Ridge High Sxchool who helped us with data entry and managing other aspects of the competition. We also had the support of the H.O.P.E.S. students at Gary Allan High School in preparing the lunches for our judges. We couldn't have done it without the support of all these wonderful individuals.”

The winners were:

Intermediate Preliminary - Sir Ernest MacMillan PS and Pine Grove PS

Junior Preliminary - W. H. Morden PS and New Central PS

Intermediate Finals - Sam Sherratt PS

Junior Finals - Pine Grove PS