PBL Design Challenge

Using the Design Thinking Process, collaboratively engineer “The Most Magnificent Thing” for your teacher that will solve one of his/her needs.

PBL Summary

The basis for this mini-PBL unit is the book called "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires, where a young girl faces challenges in creating something extraordinary from her imagination. In this PBL, students will work together using the design thinking process to come up with their own version of "The Most Magnificent Thing" that can help their teacher solve a particular problem.

** Another version could be to build something for another student in the class. In this variation, students will partner up to create these innovations.

Link to PBL Guide

PBL Essential Question

How can we work together to design solutions for the problem a character faces in a story?

Design Challenge:

Collaboratively engineer a solution to a problem the characters face in the story using the Design Thinking process. 

Project Summary

In this project-based learning unit, students will explore the narrative texts featured in Unit 2 Benchmark by designing prototypes that aim to address the problems faced by the characters in the stories. They will employ the design thinking process to create these prototypes and will work collaboratively to develop solutions. By engaging in this process, students will develop valuable skills in collaboration, teamwork, and engineering.

Link to PBL Guide

Essential question: Where do animals live, and why do they live there?

PBL Overview: Combining NGSS and informational writing standards, in this unit students will explore the world around them and do guided research to answer the questions “Where do animals live and why do they live there?”.  As part of their investigation, students will start by doing a scavenger hunt around the campus to make observations about local flora and fauna, then learn about the needs of all animals, specifically shelter, food, and water. The project culminates with students writing a short report on a local animal and then use the design thinking process to create a physical representation of an  ideal habitat for that animal. 

Link to Project Folder