1102 Makerspace and Design Thinking 2 H

Gr 9-12 | 3 Credits | Semester-Long | 5x per Cycle

This honors course builds upon principles and methodologies learned in Makerspace and Design Thinking 1H.  Students will be able to use the Design Thinking model to delve deeply into existing problems of their choosing and create solutions. Students will be able to turn their ideas into tangible prototypes. They will learn the iterative process of testing and refining their prototypes based on user feedback. Collaboration and communication skills will be developed and refined by working in teams to solve real-world challenges, fostering project management skills. There will be a heavy emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and reflective practice. The course will encourage students to critically evaluate their design choices and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, students will learn presentation skills by developing the ability to present and pitch their design solutions effectively, preparing them for future academic and professional settings. Students will apply design thinking principles to address local community issues, encouraging civic engagement and a sense of social responsibility to create solutions for real-world problems using the design thinking model developed at Stanford University.  Design Thinking is a method practiced by innovators in literature, art, music, science, engineering, and business. Design Thinking helps innovators in the process of questioning problems, assumptions, and implications. Design Thinking is extremely useful in tackling problems that are ill-defined or unknown, by re-framing the problem in people-centric ways, creating many ideas by brainstorming, and adopting a hands-on approach in prototyping and testing.  Students will have the opportunity to use our laser cutter, 3-D printers, vinyl cutters, CNC router, and the corresponding software. Projects are documented in an online portfolio that can be referenced in resumes and college applications.

This course is only offered second semester and can be taken multiple times.

Essential Skills

Skill 1: Design Thinking

Students will be able to identify and solve problems using the design thinking model through five steps. Empathizing with an individual experiencing the problem, defining the problem,  ideating solutions, prototyping solutions, and testing solutions.

Skill 2: Presenting

Students will be able to clearly and succinctly present their problem-solving ideas at several different stages in the design thinking process. 

Skill 3: Using Digital Tools

Students will be able to use digital devices including 3D printers and laser cutters on their own using compatible software.