About this resource
Students will design 5 chairs that can be used for sitting, but in addition to something else. Chairs may have more than two purposes, but must have at least two. Chairs can be used as a set and therefore work together to fulfill a purpose or act as separate entities.
Modifications: Younger grades may design only two chairs while older students can design more. High school students may choose to design a full classroom of chairs. Struggling students may work in groups to help spark ideas. Verbal and written directions should be given.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s):
- EXPLORE Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection. B. Create - Learners construct new knowledge by: 1. Problem solving through cycles of design, implementation, and reflection.
- INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. B. Create - Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes: 3. Generating products that illustrate learning.
- INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. D. Grow - Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by: 2. Engaging in sustained inquiry.
Related STEM Area: Engineering, critical thinking & problem solving
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
What students will do
- Students will design 5 chairs that serve two purposes.
- Students will think critically about how these new uses solved a problem or replaced a task formerly used by something else.
- Students will discuss designs with classmates.
Explore the design process by thinking critically, testing ideas, and problem solving.
Resources Needed
Note-taking materials (whiteboards, chalkboards, pencil and paper) and various types of chairs for testing/prototypes.
How learning is assessed
- Students have designed 5 chairs that serve at least two purposes.
- Students have identified if/how these new uses solved a problem or replaced a task formerly used by something else.
- Students have discussed their ideas with classmates.