We started with a debrief of yesterday's tower-building exercise, drawing parallels between the how students approached the exercise and how they approach learning tasks in the classroom.  This was followed with an activity that demonstrated differences in confidence and quality levels when comparing individual and group-based work.  Lab safety discussion starts tomorrow; lab safety test will be given on Tuesday, 9/6.

Importance of a positive mental attitude towards work and effort, even in the face of challenging tasks, was discussed.  Suggested that students enter the course acknowledging that there will be days when they struggle, and days when they feel more confident.  By deciding now that they will meet those challenges head-on and do everything that they can to succeed, they will increase their chances of being successful in this course.  A positive attitude isn't all that's needed for a successful course outcome, but it sure helps!  I suggested the following motto, which is posted inside and outside of our classroom door:

Students then completed a tower building task in small groups.  The goal of this activity was to promote teamwork and collaboration, and to draw parallels to how we can learn effectively in the classroom.