D1 · Analytical Reasoning
From patterns to proofs
K–2: “Which ones go together?” 9–12: “Isolate the variable. Test the hypothesis. Explain why your model failed.”
D2 · Quantitative Modeling
From counting to calculus
K–2: compare quantities visually. 9–12: build mathematical models from simulation data and predict outcomes under novel constraints.
D3 · Verbal Communication
From describing to defending
K–2: “Tell me what happened.” 9–12: “Write a lab report that would survive peer review.”
D4 · Spatial Thinking
From shapes to systems
K–2: rotate and fit objects. 9–12: navigate 3D orbital mechanics, predict trajectories, design structural solutions.
D5 · Inference & Deduction
From guessing to reasoning
K–2: “What comes next?” 9–12: “Given these 4 observations, which hypothesis is falsified?”
D6 · Social & Collaborative
From sharing to stakeholder management
K–2: take turns, explain your thinking. 9–12: manage competing priorities, triage under pressure, negotiate trade-offs.
D7 · Operational Execution
From building to debugging
K–2: assemble, test, try again. 9–12: prototype rapidly, diagnose system failures, optimize under resource constraints.