#smithingifted · Grades 3–5 (flexible 3–8)
#smithingifted Depth & Complexity Challenge
Think Deeper. Make Connections. Challenge Assumptions.
Essential Question: How can we use different thinking lenses to investigate ideas, recognize connections, and develop deeper understanding?
Start Thinking Deeper →Section 1
Program Overview
The #smithingifted Depth & Complexity Challenge develops advanced thinking through interactive investigations, evidence-based reasoning, creative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary connections. It is self-paced and mastery-based.
Section 2
My Thinking Dashboard
Sign in to see your progress. Class students open it from My Courses after joining with a code.
Section 3
The 11 Thinking Challenges
Section 4
My Learning Pathway
Choose any thinking challenge at your current level. Your teacher can place you at the right starting level, so you never repeat what you have already mastered.
- 🧭 Explorer
- 🔎 Investigator
- 🧩 Problem Solver
- 💡 Innovator
- 🌍 Changemaker
Move forward by showing mastery — not by speed. Everyone’s pathway is their own.
Level 1
🧭 Explorer
Identify and understand the Depth & Complexity thinking lenses.
Learning objectives
- Recognize the thinking lens
- Explain what it means
- Apply it with scaffolding
- Identify supporting evidence
Evidence of mastery
- Complete a module’s Guided Practice and Prove Your Thinking with evidence
- Teacher approves mastery
Level 2
🔎 Investigator
Independently apply individual thinking lenses.
Learning objectives
- Select relevant information
- Apply the lens accurately
- Explain relationships and observations
- Support conclusions with evidence
Evidence of mastery
- Independent Challenge answered without scaffolds
- A conclusion supported by evidence you selected yourself
Level 3
🧩 Problem Solver
Combine multiple thinking lenses.
Learning objectives
- Apply at least two thinking lenses to the same investigation
- Identify connections
- Evaluate alternative explanations
- Support increasingly sophisticated conclusions
Evidence of mastery
- The same investigation analyzed through a second lens
- An alternative explanation evaluated
Level 4
💡 Innovator
Use several thinking lenses to investigate and respond to a complex problem.
Learning objectives
- Integrate at least three thinking lenses
- Analyze multiple sources
- Consider competing explanations
- Develop an original response, model, argument, or solution
Evidence of mastery
- Three lenses integrated in one analysis
- At least two sources compared
- An original response, model, argument, or solution
Level 5
🌍 Changemaker
Independently transfer Depth & Complexity thinking to an unfamiliar real-world problem.
Learning objectives
- Select appropriate thinking lenses without prompting
- Research and analyze information
- Evaluate implications
- Create and defend a solution or conclusion
- Reflect on how your understanding evolved
Evidence of mastery
- An unfamiliar real-world problem you chose
- Research with sources
- A defended solution and its implications
- Reflection on your growth
Section 5
Real-World Investigations
Choose an investigation and look at the same topic through several thinking lenses.
Sign in with access to explore the investigation library.
Section 6
My Thinking Portfolio
Your private record of growth: thinking profile, every version of your work, teacher feedback, rubric scores and your showcase.
Section 7
Badges & Achievements
Badges are earned only when your teacher approves mastery — not for opening or finishing an activity.
Thinking-Lens Badges
Details Detective
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 1: Details after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Discipline Expert
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 2: Language of the Discipline after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Pattern Finder
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 3: Patterns after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Trend Tracker
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 4: Trends after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Systems Thinker
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 5: Rules after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Ethical Decision-Maker
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 6: Ethics after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Question Investigator
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 7: Unanswered Questions after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Big Idea Thinker
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 8: Big Idea after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Perspective Explorer
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 9: Multiple Perspectives after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Change Analyst
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 10: Change Over Time after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Connection Creator
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher approves mastery of Challenge 11: Across Disciplines after reviewing your submitted thinking and rubric scores.
Learning-Level Badges
Explorer
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher records mastery of the Explorer level: Complete a module’s Guided Practice and Prove Your Thinking with evidence; Teacher approves mastery.
Investigator
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher records mastery of the Investigator level: Independent Challenge answered without scaffolds; A conclusion supported by evidence you selected yourself.
Problem Solver
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher records mastery of the Problem Solver level: The same investigation analyzed through a second lens; An alternative explanation evaluated.
Innovator
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher records mastery of the Innovator level: Three lenses integrated in one analysis; At least two sources compared; An original response, model, argument, or solution.
Changemaker
Not yet earned
How to earn: Your teacher records mastery of the Changemaker level: An unfamiliar real-world problem you chose; Research with sources; A defended solution and its implications; Reflection on your growth.
Section 8
Final Master Challenge: The Ultimate Thinking Challenge
Essential Question: How can multiple thinking lenses help us better understand and respond to a complex real-world problem?
Choose a real-world problem, apply at least four thinking lenses, evaluate evidence and perspectives, then create and defend a presentation, prototype, exhibit, documentary, argument, model, or your own approved product. Unlocks after your teacher approves mastery of all 11 lenses. Teacher-approved mastery earns the printable Certificate of Advanced Thinking.
Section 9
Teacher Dashboard
Review submitted work and award mastery on the review page. Assign the program to a classroom and track each student's progress, notebooks and scores from your classroom page.