TeachersFirst Design Thinking
Design thinking focuses more on understanding problems and developing creative solutions for people than on implementing generic solutions. Design thinking goes through phases of collecting feedback and data, using the data to identify the problems to be solved, developing prototypes, and testing solutions. Feedback from key stakeholders should be used often. The above phases are iterative and cyclical, using feedback and changing the design to solve the problem. In design thinking, failure isn't an end, it's an opportunity to refine and create something better. Design thinking focuses on divergent thinking -- generating and exploring as many ideas as possible before narrowing down to a solution.
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Design Thinking Process for Kids - Seesaw
Grades
3 to 8
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The video Design Thinking Process for Kids - STEM Lessons from Seesaw Learning introduces upper-elementary students to the five stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate,...more
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The video Design Thinking Process for Kids - STEM Lessons from Seesaw Learning introduces upper-elementary students to the five stages of design thinking: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. It explains each stage in kid-friendly language, showing how students can observe needs, generate multiple ideas, build simple versions of those ideas, and then test and refine them. The Seesaw platform is used to help students document their thinking, share feedback, and reflect on their work. The video is well-suited for hands-on, group-based STEM projects, helping students understand not only what each part of the process looks like but also how they fit together in real-world design challenges. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
tag(s): collaboration (112), design (76), problem solving (273), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Show the video to the class and pause after each stage (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test). Ask students to share examples from their own lives that connect to each step. Have students list small challenges they notice in their classroom or school (such as messy desks, long lunch lines, or broken supplies) to build empathy and set up a real-world context for applying design thinking. Ask students to use Seesaw, reviewed here to document their process, add pictures of prototypes, and reflect on what worked and what they would change.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Free Design Thinking Worksheets - Makers Empire
Grades
3 to 8
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The Makers Empire Design Thinking Cycle Worksheet Handout Template offers a clean, one-page worksheet that helps students keep the stages of design thinking visible and clear. The worksheet...more
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The Makers Empire Design Thinking Cycle Worksheet Handout Template offers a clean, one-page worksheet that helps students keep the stages of design thinking visible and clear. The worksheet is downloadable in both US Letter and A4 sizes, so teachers can print it to fit their classroom needs. It's designed to support students through the cycle of empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test by providing a structured format for recording their thoughts and actions. Makers Empire also offers a more detailed, six-page workbook for deeper work. This resource is helpful for STEM, maker challenges, project-based learning, or any lesson that encourages students to plan, iterate, and reflect on their design process.
tag(s): collaboration (112), design (76), problem solving (273), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Begin by giving students the worksheet and guiding them through each stage of the design thinking cycle with a simple, shared example (e.g., redesigning the classroom pencil sharpener). Have students use the "Ideate" section of the worksheet to brainstorm as many solutions as possible for a fun prompt like "How could we make recess better?" After testing, students share what worked, what didn't, and what they would improve. Use the worksheet to document insights and model the importance of iteration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Design Thinking - Tatonka
Grades
2 to 4
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The Design Thinking page from Tatonka Education Services offers free classroom resources to help students develop creative problem-solving and innovation skills. Teachers can access...more
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The Design Thinking page from Tatonka Education Services offers free classroom resources to help students develop creative problem-solving and innovation skills. Teachers can access downloadable materials, including lesson plans, student worksheets, design-thinking rubrics, maker-space class agreements, and peer-critique tools. Ready-to-use project ideas include "The Box Project," "The Littles Design Thinking," and "Problems in Our Community," many of which align with standards such as ELA and Social Studies. These tools guide students through the design thinking stages, empathize, ideate, prototype, and test, while offering practical support for implementation in both traditional classrooms and maker space settings.
tag(s): collaboration (112), design (76), problem solving (273), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Present students with a plain cardboard box and ask them to brainstorm as many creative uses as possible. Use this quick activity to show that everyday items can spark innovation. Have students work in teams to design a simple tool or toy for younger children (such as kindergarten or first grade). They can make digital sketches on ABCya, reviewed here. Begin with a class discussion about small problems in the school or local community. Record all student ideas on chart paper to encourage curiosity and connect design thinking to real-life issues.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game - Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Grades
6 to 8
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The ORISE lesson plan "Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game" is a middle school activity for grades 6-8 that introduces students to the design thinking process by having them create...more
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The ORISE lesson plan "Design Thinking Challenge: Design a Game" is a middle school activity for grades 6-8 that introduces students to the design thinking process by having them create a board game for younger learners. Over the course of about ten class periods, students move through the steps of empathizing with their audience, defining needs, brainstorming ideas, prototyping, testing, and refining their designs. Using simple classroom materials, they design content-based games that are both engaging and educational for first- and second-graders. The lesson emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and iteration, while also encouraging collaboration and real-world application as students test their games with younger peers and improve them based on feedback. It provides a hands-on way to integrate STEM, critical thinking, and empathy into the classroom.
tag(s): collaboration (112), problem solving (273), professional development (318), STEM (364), thinking skills (115)
In the Classroom
Have students interview younger peers, siblings, or even adults reflecting on their childhood to learn what kinds of games children enjoy and what challenges they face when learning new rules. During the design process, have groups exchange their early prototypes with another group to play-test. Sharing prototypes and discussing designs builds peer feedback skills and helps students recognize gaps or confusing rules before testing with younger children. Introduce students to different mechanics used in professional games (dice rolling, spinners, strategy, chance, storytelling). Ask them to analyze how each mechanic affects player engagement and decide which to include in their designs.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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What is Design Thinking? Activities for Kids - Twinkl Parents
Grades
K to 8
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This blog article from Twinkl, reviewed here, "What Is Design Thinking? Activities for Kids" explains design thinking as a creative, student-centered...more
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This blog article from Twinkl, reviewed here, "What Is Design Thinking? Activities for Kids" explains design thinking as a creative, student-centered approach to problem solving that encourages learners to design solutions that meet real needs. It highlights how this process develops important skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, self-confidence, curiosity, and empathy, while engaging students in meaningful, hands-on learning. The article also shares ten practical activities for kids, including building marble mazes, creating recycled robot collages, designing VR games, crafting wildlife sculptures, and participating in junk modeling challenges, each designed to spark innovation and critical thinking. Additional resources are recommended to help teachers extend learning through STEM and design-technology themes, making this article a useful tool for guiding lessons and projects in which students explore, prototype, test, and reflect.
tag(s): design (76), empathy (66), problem solving (273), STEM (364), student-centered (9), thinking skills (115)
In the Classroom
Provide simple materials like cardboard, straws, and tape, and have students design and build their own marble mazes. Present students with a short scenario (e.g., a playground problem or classroom issue) and ask them to brainstorm possible solutions before learning the design thinking process. For older students, challenge them to sketch a virtual reality game or mobile app that helps others learn or solve a real-world problem.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Method of Action - Method Draw - Mark MacKay
Grades
5 to 12
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Learn and practice vector design with Method Draw. First, choose from several games to practice using the drawing pen, creating shapes and colors, and understanding game settings. Then,...more
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Learn and practice vector design with Method Draw. First, choose from several games to practice using the drawing pen, creating shapes and colors, and understanding game settings. Then, use the Method Draw link to open a workspace to create your designs using the tools found in the practice games.
tag(s): design (76), graphic design (49), vectors (16)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students to use as they learn about vector design basics and creating games. It is also useful for a computer center activity for any student to learn about color basics and using a mouse to create shapes and objects. Ask students to create screen recordings using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here, to demonstrate how to use design techniques and color harmonies to create objects to use in games or websites. Have students apply their learning by including their designs within games they create using Scratch, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Earth School - TEDEd
Grades
3 to 12
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Earth School contains a 30-day nature-focused series of lessons and activities designed for learners of all ages. Each daily Quest includes a video introduction along with a quiz and...more
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Earth School contains a 30-day nature-focused series of lessons and activities designed for learners of all ages. Each daily Quest includes a video introduction along with a quiz and additional discussion and focus activities. Developed in response to school shutdowns due to the Coronavirus, activities are intended to be self-paced and available for students to complete on any device. Lessons are organized into themes. Create a free account to save and edit activities. Students who complete all 30 activities receive a certificate via email. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
tag(s): agriculture (54), climate (100), climate change (116), design (76), forests (31), oceans (143), recycling (45), remote learning (32), solar energy (35), STEM (364), Teacher Utilities (212), water (105)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site as a resource for science and nature lessons to supplement current materials in your classroom. Because lessons were created for use in remote learning situations, they are perfect for including during elearning or digital learning days. Create an account and customize lessons to personalize activities to fit your curriculum and students. For example, customize lessons easily to change discussion questions to adapt to student abilities, then share the differentiated lessons to different groups of students. Extend learning by adding links to additional activities such as asking students to write a short blog post using edublogs, reviewed here, or create a cartoon based on the activity's content using ToonyTool, reviewed here. Extend learning for all students using Spotify for Podcastors, reviewed here. Begin by creating a discussion question, then share the topic with students. An idea would be to have small groups of students hold a podcast "conversation" about the topic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MIT Full STEAM Ahead - MIT
Grades
K to 12
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic...more
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Find free, high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) resources for all grade levels at this fantastic site! Each week educators from MIT provide thematic grade-level learning "packages" that include video, activities, and challenges in various topics. Content includes inventions, outer space, and music and sounds, among other topics. Many subjects also include activities that don't require Internet access. Additional links provide a curated list of learning games that promote 21st Century skills. All content is created for teaching in online or in-person situations.
tag(s): design (76), diseases (60), earth (197), engineering (138), game based learning (303), inventors and inventions (88), makerspace (39), sounds (40), space (245), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
As students participate in the activities and lessons shared on this site, utilize the many features of Google Documents or Microsoft Word to gather information, and collaborate with peers. Use spreadsheet tools to record findings and create graphs to evaluate the results of experiments. Engage students in the learning process by adding questions and comments to the videos in the learning packages using edpuzzle, reviewed here. Ask students to use Sway, reviewed here, to share the products of their learning activities. Add text, images, videos, and more to create multimedia presentations. Use the learning packages to find activities and resources to incorporate into your current learning units. Be sure to check out the interactives (games) that focus on problem-solving and collaboration skills.
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Babble Dabble Do - Ana Dziengel
Grades
K to 6
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Connect the arts and sciences through hands-on exploration with creative projects shared on Babble Dabble Do. Begin by selecting one of the four categories - art, science, engineering,...more
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Connect the arts and sciences through hands-on exploration with creative projects shared on Babble Dabble Do. Begin by selecting one of the four categories - art, science, engineering, or design for kids. Each topic includes many ideas for projects for preschoolers and up. Project ideas all include step-by-step directions with pictures, many also include videos. The videos are housed on YouTube; if your district blocks YouTube, they may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): crafts (111), design (76), engineering (138), makerspace (39), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Be sure to add this to your toolbox of ideas for teaching STEAM topics and for ideas to use in classroom makerspaces. In addition to adding this site to your favorite bookmarks, consider creating a board on Pinterest, reviewed here, of sites with ideas for STEAM projects. Share the board with your peers and collaborate on adding STEAM sites as a group. Extend learning throughout and after project activities as you include student work as part of a portfolio on Seesaw, reviewed here. Seesaw offers tools for all ages of students to create digital portfolios including written or audio reflections on work. Instead of just sharing images of student creations on your Facebook page or school web page, help students enhance their learning by creating digital books using WriteReader, reviewed here, to share online for family and friends. WriteReader is a site specially created for use with younger students to share their writing and images.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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STEAM Art Lessons - Tricia Fuglestad
Grades
K to 8
3 Favorites
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Do you need inspiration for art and technology-rich STEAM lessons? Take a look at the many ideas on this site created by art teacher Tricia Fuglestad. Lesson topics include ideas ...more
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Do you need inspiration for art and technology-rich STEAM lessons? Take a look at the many ideas on this site created by art teacher Tricia Fuglestad. Lesson topics include ideas based on famous works of art like Edvard Munch's The Scream and Gilbert Stuart's George Washington portrait. Each lesson consists of a link to the blog post describing the lesson; many of these also include a video overview of the activity. Several ideas are also offered for Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat. Editor's Note: Some links in the lessons go to a paid site to purchase lesson materials such as PowerPoints. The free lesson ideas and suggestions on this site are sufficient for creating and teaching these ideas without buying anything additional.
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tag(s): black history (131), coding (107), creativity (85), digital storytelling (167), dr seuss (12), drawing (57), environment (254), graphic design (49), great depression (33), literacy (124), nutrition (138), photography (134), poetry (196), problem solving (273), read across america (9), STEM (364), stories and storytelling (75), symmetry (32)
In the Classroom
If you feel that you are strong in the arts but not technology (or the other way around), find a teaching partner that complements your strength and work together to teach lessons from this site. Use ideas from here in your classroom makerspace. Use Wakelet, reviewed here, to add notes and questions as you prepare to teach lessons from this blog. Wakelet offers the ability to collaborate and share with others through the addition of written and audio notes to any web page. Use lesson activities found on this site as a replacement for traditional research projects, book reports, or written reports. Have students use a blogging tool like edublog, reviewed here, to share images and videos of their work from start to finish and to reflect upon learning. Have older students extend learning through the use of Canvas LMS, reviewed here. Ask them to research and find additional information on the topic of your lesson and create a learning path for other students to complete. For younger students, create a Symbaloo Learning Path for students to complete as a center activity to complement your STEAM learning activities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Design Wizard - Design Wizard
Grades
K to 12
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Design Wizard is an online photo editor app. Create an account using email or login with a Facebook or Google account and verify with a link sent to your email. ...more
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Design Wizard is an online photo editor app. Create an account using email or login with a Facebook or Google account and verify with a link sent to your email. Choose the link to create a new design to access tools on the dashboard. Choose from thousands of templates and images to create designs for social media, cards, posters, book covers, and much more. When finished, use links to download or share. Note: a great deal of the preloaded content is not free; however, Design Wizard allows users to upload their own images to edit and share.
tag(s): design (76), graphic design (49), images (266), social media (61)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the many features included with Design Wizard to upload and edit images. Have students use their images to create book covers instead of assigning a traditional book report. As students learn about advertiser tactics, use the ad template and have students create truthful advertisements for products. Create flyers to invite parents to school programs. Ask students to create a flyer that might have been used to invite others to a historical event. The possibilities are as endless as you and your students' imaginations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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DesignEvo Free Online Logo Maker - DesignEvo
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
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Design a free logo with DesignEvo, no download or registration required! Find icons from the millions in the site's library, then add and customize text and shapes to create your ...more
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Design a free logo with DesignEvo, no download or registration required! Find icons from the millions in the site's library, then add and customize text and shapes to create your logo. Change colors, add backgrounds, and much more. When finished, download to your computer. One caveat, before downloading you must give credit by sharing DesignEvo on your social media account or using the embed code on your website.
tag(s): design (76), drawing (57), graphic design (49), images (266)
In the Classroom
Use this site as part of any graphic design or art class to learn about the use of color, text, or design. Have students design a logo for your classroom or school, then use a different logo each month on your class website, newsletter, or any classroom communications. Have students design a logo for a book character to use on their "pretend" business card. Ask students to create their own personal logo for use on a business card. The possibilities are never-ending!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NEXT.cc - NEXT.cc
Grades
3 to 12
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NEXT.cc shares activities and online information to develop ethical imagination and environmental stewardship through design. The information is based on Common Core and Wisconsin Art...more
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NEXT.cc shares activities and online information to develop ethical imagination and environmental stewardship through design. The information is based on Common Core and Wisconsin Art and Design Standards. Begin your journey by choosing from one of the many icons. Each journey includes a short description of the content and links to several activities featuring games, research projects, or discussion questions. When finished, take a short review quiz or select from the many links providing additional opportunities to explore each topic. Videos reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): aeronautics (11), alphabet (46), animals (274), animation (62), architecture (82), biomes (92), coding (107), design (76), electricity (61), energy (139), habitats (103), light (56), numbers (120), plants (142), time (94), weather (177)
In the Classroom
Share this site on classroom computers, on an interactive whiteboard, or with a projector to explore together. Include this site as part of your bookmarks for lessons in design, science, or art using a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo, reviewed here. Many of the activities have students create online and interactive documents. Following are a few suggestions for these activities. Try MapHub, reviewed here, which uses display markers featuring text, photos, and videos! Have students create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Image Annotator, reviewed here, to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. Ask individual or groups of students to create a multimedia presentation sharing knowledge learned using an online tool such as Sway, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Microsoft Visual Studio - Microsoft
Grades
6 to 12
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Microsoft Visual Studio offers a variety of free tools and services to create and develop apps on any platform. Transform your classroom technology use by downloading Visual Studio...more
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Microsoft Visual Studio offers a variety of free tools and services to create and develop apps on any platform. Transform your classroom technology use by downloading Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio Community, and sign up for a free account on Visual Studio Team Services providing tools and information for integration across platforms. Sign up also for training sessions and additional downloads.
tag(s): coding (107), computers (115), design (76), logic (165), Microsoft (55), problem solving (273)
In the Classroom
Share Microsoft Visual with students interested in computer coding. Have students sign up for training that meets their interests. Transform classroom technology use by encouraging students to design apps that help fellow students and others in your school. For example, design an app for tracking assignments or an app for collaborating on school projects.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Girls Garage (Project H) - Project H Design - Emily Pilloton
Grades
3 to 12
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Project H has evolved into Girls Garage and offers programs to teach design, creativity, and hands-on building to pre-teen and teen girls. Choose the Programs link to learn about Summer...more
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Project H has evolved into Girls Garage and offers programs to teach design, creativity, and hands-on building to pre-teen and teen girls. Choose the Programs link to learn about Summer Programs, After School Programs, Workshops, and see a Job Board. Workshops are offered for elementary and secondary students. Each link provides a quick insight into the projects created by students. The After School link provides lectures, videos, lesson plans, and more for implementing building projects in the classroom. Topics include many diverse activities such as a Home Depot Scavenger Hunt and a long span bridge competition.
tag(s): architecture (82), creativity (85), design (76), gifted (63), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Share Project H with students as a resource for group projects or enrichment. The ideas on Project H are perfect when considering ideas for math, science, or art Fairs. Create a link on your class website for students to use at home. After completing a project, have students take a photo. Then, show them how to embed media transforming their work by uploading it to Google Drawings, reviewed here. Students can then annotate the photo with text boxes, related links, and video to explain the process of how they created their product.
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KidsThinkDesign - Kids Design Collaborative
Grades
4 to 12
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KidsThinkDesign offers insight into the many different areas of design. Choose from several categories to begin exploring design in architecture, fashion, interiors, and more. Each...more
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KidsThinkDesign offers insight into the many different areas of design. Choose from several categories to begin exploring design in architecture, fashion, interiors, and more. Each section includes a short overview of the topic and opportunities to meet a designer and think like a designer. In addition, each design section includes instructions for a project for you to complete on your own.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): animation (62), architecture (82), design (76), fashion (13), graphic design (49), makerspace (39)
In the Classroom
Share KidsThinkDesign with your school's art teacher as an excellent addition to art lessons or for ideas to use as a collaborative project. Share with students as part of career exploration activities to help them learn about the different areas of design and also try some designs on their own. After creating a design, have students upload a photo they have taken and add voice bubbles to explain what they learned using a tool such as Phrase.it, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Technovation Families - Iridescent
Grades
4 to 12
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Technovation Families: Curiosity Machine connects scientists and engineers with young people to help design and create projects together. Create an account to begin using features on...more
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Technovation Families: Curiosity Machine connects scientists and engineers with young people to help design and create projects together. Create an account to begin using features on the site. Discover challenges to build on your own, including categories such as aerospace, robotics, engineering, and more.See the menu on the left to see them all. Find inspiration by watching videos of scientists and engineers sharing their inventions. Share your finished projects as inspiration for other aspiring engineers and scientists.
tag(s): aeronautics (11), computers (115), design (76), engineering (138), gifted (63), inventors and inventions (88), makerspace (39), oceans (143), problem solving (273), robotics (30), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Be sure to take advantage of the free educator units offered with membership. Share project ideas with students as ideas for a school science or engineering fair. Share this site with students interested in exploring careers in science or engineering. Encourage students to enhance their technology use and learning by using a visual blogging tool such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links (no registration required), to document their progress while completing projects. Have gifted students choose projects from the site to complete as enrichment within different learning units.
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Ask Nature: Why Teach Biomimicry - Biomimcry Institute
Grades
10 to 12
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Inspire your students to SEE the natural world differently! Biomimicry is the imitation of nature's best design ideas to solve human problems. Immerse yourself in the lessons, videos,...more
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Inspire your students to SEE the natural world differently! Biomimicry is the imitation of nature's best design ideas to solve human problems. Immerse yourself in the lessons, videos, activities, and tools offered in this resource. Be sure to check out the links along the side that include Resource Types and Resource Audiences (Youth (K-12), and University). Be sure to notice the extensions, homework, assessments, and other ideas offered with each of the activities. Lessons in the toolkit are arranged in sections: Introduction (exploring what is Biomimicry), Exploring Nature (connecting students with nature), Case studies, Function (how strategies of other organisms can help with our own functioning), Pattern, and Design Projects (to teach the design process). Battle of the Beaks and Velcro Race Game are lesson examples in the Function section. Join the Biomomicry network and connect with others. Find examples of Biomimicry and Cool Biology topics under the Categories section of this resource. Note: Not sure what Biomimicry is? Learn more about Biomimicry in this article.
tag(s): design (76), engineering (138), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
It will be very beneficial to spend some time with the toolkit to see all that it offers. Use the resources to engage students in content that would otherwise be considered dull to some students. Use the lessons to change from teacher-led information about topics to research-driven student investigations. Use the lessons to provide a vital connection students need to the natural world that is becoming increasingly lost with each generation. Find simple activities found on the Core Concepts pages. Each section has articles and other resources for better understanding. Many of the resources encourage questioning, the creation of ideas, and formation of solutions. Other resources (such as in the Core Concepts), encourage students to look at nature differently and understand how we are part of nature and the biodiversity on Earth. Expand many of the Patterns lessons to identify how humans have copied patterns found in nature around us and how these patterns improve our designs (ex. the shape of an egg/strength of an arch). This resource would be a wonderful extension of the classroom for motivated students, especially gifted! Include it as a challenge level during a unit on plants and other science topics for your gifted middle schoolers. Assign each group a specific concept of Biomimicry to learn and understand. Enhance student learning by having students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Venngage, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Squishy Circuits - AnnMarie Thomas
Grades
2 to 10
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Squishy Circuits takes the fear out of electrical engineering and replaces it with fun! Using two different home-made play dough recipes, this scientist devised a way to teach her toddler...more
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Squishy Circuits takes the fear out of electrical engineering and replaces it with fun! Using two different home-made play dough recipes, this scientist devised a way to teach her toddler about electronics. Turning her kitchen into an electrical engineering lab was easier than you may think. Two different play dough recipes provide conductors and resistors. Demonstrate how electricity moves by attaching the play dough to a battery pack and using LED lights. All ages will love "playing" with electronics. Watch the short video explanation of how this project started, and see a great demonstration by the creator of the project. Directions are available video video or as a PDF.
tag(s): circuits (20), electricity (61)
In the Classroom
Budgets are tight and times are tough, but using these activities, we can still keep the lights on electrical engineering. Have students make the play dough in lab or make it in advance for them. Color the recipes with different food colors so that you can easily identify which recipe is which. Explain how the battery packs and indicator lights work, and then let them play with the play dough and the battery packs. Please advise students of safety hazards and caution them against putting sensors directly against the battery pack. Once they have had time to play, have them identify different circuit parts using correct electrical terminology. Challenge students to create more and use their imaginations to try different situations and scenarios. Have different groups share their findings with the class, and allow the groups to share ideas to reach even further.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Evil Mad Scientist - Evil Mad Science
Grades
6 to 12
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Discover irreverent, creative new projects featured every week in Evil Mad Scientist blog. This blog features applied science and math concepts in unique or unusual ways. A few of them...more
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Discover irreverent, creative new projects featured every week in Evil Mad Scientist blog. This blog features applied science and math concepts in unique or unusual ways. A few of them push the envelope, but all will get you thinking. Every Wednesday, new projects tickle your imagination. Watch videos, read the latest stories, or comment on existing projects. Browse the shop,-- not to buy, but to see and analyze remarkable inventions. Join a mailing list to never miss new projects. Note: a few of the ideas involve hacking electronics and computers, so the site may be blocked by school filters. Preview to know for sure. See notes below on ways to share specific articles.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creativity (85), inventors and inventions (88), scientific method (49), STEM (364)
In the Classroom
Inspire creativity and original thinking with Evil Mad Scientist. Use as inspiration or examples for student projects in art, science, or music, research, or applied creativity. If you share a link with students, you may want to link to a specific post or use Readability Test Tool, reviewed here, to provide a "clean view" of the post. Evaluate projects together on the IWB to help students identify characteristics of creativity and talk about how the ideas may have come to be. Use this site during a unit on scientific method so students connect the discipline of research with the creative results. What kind of experimenting took place? What principles of science? Compare the inventions available in the Shop with inventions from the Industrial Revolution. How is today a different environment for inventors (or is it?) Begin your own Evil Mad Scientist blog to feature your students' creativity or slightly irreverent ideas in a safe and school-appropriate environment, almost as an STEM graffiti wall.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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