We have completed two design projects so far this year. Both challenges occurred through a natural process of identifying a need and developing solutions. I had initially planned to have students share supplies but that option didn't work out. My initial plan for storage was extra large zip-lock bags to hold their supplies and stored in a filing cabinet. The organization of the bags didn't work well for students to quickly and efficiently access their supplies. As a class, we discussed what might be alternative ways to store the supplies. We identified all the constraints together noting that they had to be movable because students switch seats. They also needed to be accessible but not in the way.
Students then brainstormed ideas. Once they had chosen a solution to develop, they had to create a sketch and label the different materials used. The design focused on using the existing large zip-lock bags as a component for storing supplies. Rather than store them in drawers, students wanted to have them at their tables.
Based on all the completed sketches, we determined a list of materials. Once the materials had been gathered, students set to work creating their solutions.
There were a variety of solutions with similarities. Some worked well and some didn't. Students were given the opportunity to improve their designs with a Supply Bag 2.0.
Repairs and improvements continue to be made as needed. This taught students about creating a solution with durability as well as aesthetics. It will be interesting to see if there has been more iterations of the design by the end of the year.
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