TINKER TASKS is your all-in-one resource for creating rich, imaginative, and intellectually challenging hands-on experiences for gifted and high-ability learners. Designed to spark critical thinking, creativity, and concept mastery, these Tinker Task Kits combine open-ended building prompts with deep thematic connections and student reflection—elevating traditional STEM learning into an inquiry-based, thought-provoking experience.
Perfect for centers, early finishers, gifted pull-out, or whole-class enrichment, TINKER TASKS gives students choice, voice, and challenge—all with easy-to-manage materials stored in pencil boxes and labeled task cards.
Purpose:
To provide differentiated, hands-on learning that nurtures the advanced thinking needs of gifted 4th-5th grade students while promoting essential STEM and design skills. TINKER TASKS encourages self-directed exploration, design thinking, creative problem-solving, and reflection through open-ended, standards-aligned challenges.
What’s Included:
• Over 100 Tinker Task Cards across grade bands (4-5)
• Tasks organized by:
• STEM Concepts (engineering, physics, math structures, motion, etc.)
• Universal Themes (patterns, structures, change, systems, etc.)
• Creative Design & Art STEM
• Tinker Box Setup Guide (using photo boxes + pencil boxes)
• Teacher Directions for implementing task systems and rotations
• 25+ Student Response Sheets per grade band (open-ended, reflective)
• Holistic Rubrics for teacher use + Student Self-Assessment Versions
• Task-to-Reflection Chart for easy matching
• Extension Guide using SCAMPER & advanced math models like fractals, Fibonacci, symmetry, and tessellations
• Mini-Lesson Posters & Teaching Scripts for mathematical and thematic structures
• Gifted Education Guide: how and why TINKER TASKS supports gifted learners
Highlights:
• Flexible Use: Ideal for centers, early finishers, gifted pull-outs, or full-class challenges
• Low-Prep, High-Impact: Reusable task cards + easy-to-organize materials
• Authentic Enrichment: No “cookie-cutter” STEM—every task invites open-ended thinking
• Purposeful Reflection: Students don’t just build—they think, reflect, and connect
• Tailored for Gifted Learners: Supports depth, complexity, curiosity, and independence
• Cross-Curricular: Integrates math, science, engineering, creativity, and universal concepts
• Scalable: Adaptable across K–5 with developmentally appropriate language and tasks
Recommended Materials (not included):
Pencil boxes + 4x6 photo cases
Legos, gears, stacking cups, building discs, pattern blocks, Velcro sticks, dominoes, magnetic tiles, snowflake connectors, linking cubes
TINKER TASKS is your all-in-one resource for creating rich, imaginative, and intellectually challenging hands-on experiences for gifted and high-ability learners. Designed to spark critical thinking, creativity, and concept mastery, these Tinker Task Kits combine open-ended building prompts with deep thematic connections and student reflection—elevating traditional STEM learning into an inquiry-based, thought-provoking experience.
Perfect for centers, early finishers, gifted pull-out, or whole-class enrichment, TINKER TASKS gives students choice, voice, and challenge—all with easy-to-manage materials stored in pencil boxes and labeled task cards.
Purpose:
To provide differentiated, hands-on learning that nurtures the advanced thinking needs of gifted 4th-5th grade students while promoting essential STEM and design skills. TINKER TASKS encourages self-directed exploration, design thinking, creative problem-solving, and reflection through open-ended, standards-aligned challenges.
What’s Included:
• Over 100 Tinker Task Cards across grade bands (4-5)
• Tasks organized by:
• STEM Concepts (engineering, physics, math structures, motion, etc.)
• Universal Themes (patterns, structures, change, systems, etc.)
• Creative Design & Art STEM
• Tinker Box Setup Guide (using photo boxes + pencil boxes)
• Teacher Directions for implementing task systems and rotations
• 25+ Student Response Sheets per grade band (open-ended, reflective)
• Holistic Rubrics for teacher use + Student Self-Assessment Versions
• Task-to-Reflection Chart for easy matching
• Extension Guide using SCAMPER & advanced math models like fractals, Fibonacci, symmetry, and tessellations
• Mini-Lesson Posters & Teaching Scripts for mathematical and thematic structures
• Gifted Education Guide: how and why TINKER TASKS supports gifted learners
Highlights:
• Flexible Use: Ideal for centers, early finishers, gifted pull-outs, or full-class challenges
• Low-Prep, High-Impact: Reusable task cards + easy-to-organize materials
• Authentic Enrichment: No “cookie-cutter” STEM—every task invites open-ended thinking
• Purposeful Reflection: Students don’t just build—they think, reflect, and connect
• Tailored for Gifted Learners: Supports depth, complexity, curiosity, and independence
• Cross-Curricular: Integrates math, science, engineering, creativity, and universal concepts
• Scalable: Adaptable across K–5 with developmentally appropriate language and tasks
Recommended Materials (not included):
Pencil boxes + 4x6 photo cases
Legos, gears, stacking cups, building discs, pattern blocks, Velcro sticks, dominoes, magnetic tiles, snowflake connectors, linking cubes
