Overview

8th grade Montgomery students collaborated with USD to find solutions in a Changemaker Challenge around the themes of Homelessness, Displacement and Migration.  Using the Design Thinking Process, students have prototyped a possible solution for their focus around one of these themes.

Project Initiation

Students were introduced to the issues addressed in the Changemaker Challenge in English class.  They were first introduced to USD and their project through a project launch where they met with USD staff and students.  They watched USD student submissions on projects and began to understand the expectations for their own projects.

Project Exploration and Development

Students analyzed three themes - Homelessness, Migration and Immigration through the lens of poetry, personal narratives, and research.  They learned about their identity in science and the census in History, in order to have the empathy needed to be aware of community issues. Students were placed in groups of 4 based on their like-minded ideas and passions.  Together they narrowed down their issue and created HMW questions in order to be prepared for when having an Idea Lab with USD.  The idea lab helped students go deeper in finding the solutions that they could implement in the community around their issue.

Project Revision and Exhibition

As students began to analyze their problem, solution, stakeholders and possible obstacles, they prepared for a presentation of their idea to a community centered group of Changemaker Coaches.  They were able to present their ideas and receive feedback from the community so they could change and update their ideas.  Students were not able to complete another ideation cycle but will be reflecting on the design thinking process and the learning of helping others in our community.

Teachers and Subjects

Aimee Welshans - English
Caroline Morse - Math
Nancy Burks - History
Min Kim - Science
Sara Reedy - Science
Devon Bakaly - ELD and History
Daniel McCarthy - Math
Philipp Prado - Project Lead the Way
Cyndia Marlin - SPED
Germain Stewart - SPED

Changemaker Challenge Launch at USD

Ideation

Concept Pitch to Community Coaches

Concept Maps