About this resource
Students are given a box of materials and asked to generate a list of product ideas individually and then share their ideas with a group of other students. Students then watch this video by Sir Ken Robinson on divergent thinking. Individually, students review and revise their list of products. Students then get into groups of 3-4 and share their list of ideas. Students combine their ideas to create one concept of a final product. Students create sketches and prototypes of their final concept. Students create a podcast or video to share how their product works. Classmates provide critical feedback to each group for improvement or revision.
Modifications for all Learners: Creating open ended design projects allows all learners to work to their full potential.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
English/Science
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. C. Share - Learners engage with the learning community by: 1. Expressing curiosity about a topic of personal interest or curricular relevance. 2. Co-constructing innovative means of investigation. 3. Collaboratively identifying innovative solutions to a challenge or problem.
V. EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. D. Grow - Learners develop through experience and reflection by: 3. Open-mindedly accepting feedback for positive and constructive growth.
Related STEM Area: Technology and Engineering
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard: MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
What students will do
- I will generate a list of products from my thinking.
- I will analyze and collaborate ideas to plan for a prototype.
- I will create a prototype of our design.
- I will create an annotated visual of our prototype and product design.
- I can generate a list of products from my thinking.
- I can analyze and collaborate ideas to plan for a prototype.
- I can create a prototype of our design.
- I can create an annotated visual of our prototype and product design.
Resources Needed
Each student is provided with a box that contains 30 medium paper clips, 15 rubber bands, 3 marbles, 2 sheets of 8 ½" x 11" paper, 1 flexible straw. Students may have more of any of the above supplies if needed.
How learning is assessed
- I generated a list of products from my thinking.
- I analyzed and collaborated ideas to plan for a prototype.
- I created a prototype of our design.
- I created an annotated visual of our prototype and product design.