Overview

An architectural "Program" is a list of needs and requirements for a project.

The Program for the Explorer STEAM Place in a Dallas Deck Park should include:

• at least (1) water feature

• (4) native trees and/or a native plant garden

• space(s) for at least (5) STEAM related activities that encourage exploration

• a small amphitheater or area for STEAM demonstrations.  Include seating for up to (20) people which can be benches, movable chairs, or seating of your own design

• a kiosk for community event notifications and STEAM activity information.  A KIOSK is a small, standalone booth or structure in a public space used to provide information.

Choose either deck park in Dallas, Klyde Warren Park or Halperin Park (see plans above) or, put your STEAM Explorer Space in a future deck park in Dallas that is not built yet.  

Klyde Warren and Halperin Park are both wonderful parks to explore to get ideas for your project and work on your Competition Case Study described in the "Exploration Resources" tab below!

Each Teacher/Sponsor will be provided with (1) teacher copy and a class set of (4) “How To Be An Explorer of the World” workbooks by Keri Smith.  This book encourages students to observe, notice, and analyze the world around them through a series of "Explorations".  The book includes 59 different Explorations where students can learn to document and observe the world like an artist or scientist.  

For the Competition Case Study, students are encouraged to visit a park or urban space and use the Explorations in the workbook as a guide to record their experience and generate ideas for their project.  Another great resource for students are the self-guided walkSTEM tours which you can learn more about at- https://talkstem.org/walkstem/#flowchart and at https://talkstem.org/walkstem/artist-created-walkstem-maps/

Teacher/Sponsors:  you might want to review information from the book on pages 2-25 with your students, paying particular attention to the Explorer suggestions on page 5, the Methods of Investigation on pages 18 and 19, and the Fieldwork Tips on page 25.

In terms of the numbered "Explorations" for students to use as a guide on their Case Study visit to a park or public space, you might suggest the following:

• Exploration #2- Experience Collection

• Exploration #9- Case of Curiosities

• Exploration #12- Fifty Things (a trip to the park)

• Exploration #14- Sound Map

• Exploration #16- Survey or #42- Local Lore

• Exploration #22- People Watching/People Mapping

• Exploration #46- Found Patterns

• Exploration #48- Finder Exploration

• Exploration #54- The Language of Trees

• Exploration #57- Thought Experiments

Note to Sponsors- you can pick up your (5) copies of the "How to Be an Explorer" workbooks from CityLab HS Registrar, Elida Rueda at the CityLab HS Front Office at the Fannin Building, 4800 Ross Ave.

Please call Mrs. Rueda in advance at 972 794-6804 or email her at Erueda@dallasisd.org to confirm your pick-up, or if you have any questions about the MS Design Competition.

First Place – Team: Each team member receives a $50 gift card (teams can have up to 4 students, so the team total is up to $200).

First Place – Individual: Winner receives a $50 gift card.

Second Place – Team: Each team member receives a $25 gift card (teams can have up to 4 students, so the team total is up to $100).

Second Place – Individual: Winner receives a $25 gift card.

People’s Choice Award: Each team member receives a $50 gift card (teams can have up to 4 students, so the team total is up to $200). This award is chosen by CityLab HS students & staff.

Teacher/Staff Sponsor Awards: The teacher/Sponsor of award winners will receive a $100 gift card for classroom use- $100 maximum per teacher/Sponsor.

Competition Winners will be announced in January 2027 with an Awards Ceremony in Late January 2027 at the CityLab HS Campus.

Middle school students (grades 6-8) from any school (or Homeschool) may enter individually or in teams of up to 4.

Each individual/team is required to have a teacher or staff member from the Middle School they attend who will serve as the Sponsor and contact person.  Your Sponsor's email is required when you Register for the MS Design Competition.

Entries are due by the end of the day on Friday, January 8th, 2027