Design-Thinking Project

As a part of our Science curriculum, the Grade Fours have been learning how to design an invention to meet a need. 

We were each paired with a Grade One buddy. Our buddy told us about their favourite winter activity but also the problem they have with it. For example, “I like sledding but I don’t like pulling my sled up the hill.”

The Grade Fours followed the Design-Thinking Process. First, we listened to our buddies explain what they like and don’t like about the activity. We interviewed them and kept track of their answers on our interview sheets. 

Next, the Grade Fours did the Ideate step. We brainstormed two different invention designs to help solve our buddy’s problem. Then, we got feedback from our buddies about which design they liked the best. We had them explain why and give us suggestions to make our designs fit their needs better. We made changes to our designs based on their feedback.

Last, we built a prototype of our design with our buddies. We used a variety of materials and were allowed to use our imaginations, too!

Grade Four Science Curriculum Outcomes

• Plan and create an artifact to meet a need

• Provide and receive feedback during the design process

• Test a design/artifact to see that it meets the need

• Collaborate to design an artifact that solves a problem

Student Quotes

"I liked how we were forced to make it with the supplies we had. It was very challenging to do something with the supplies." ~ Fox

"I liked that we helped the Grade Ones with their problems and we made them smile." ~ DA

"I liked how we were building for our Grade One buddies and the materials we used." ~ LD

"I liked how it was challenging and fun but I didn't like when the foam material ran out." ~ SS

"I really liked this because it was really fun and creative and we got to do a big project and help the Grade Ones with their problems. The challenging thing was the white glue not sticking on." ~ Felicia

"I liked how we got to make it with our Grade One buddies." ~ Meredith

"I like the Grade One kids helped me and draw a lot of things. Great!" ~ BB

"I like how we had a large variety of materials to use." ~ Matin

"I learned that no matter how easy your design is, it's gonna be really hard to build it and you will run into a lot of problems." ~Hugh

"I liked how we were actually building a solution for the problem, not just building something for a made-up problem." ~ Milu

"I liked how we got to know new people and I like how it was really challenging to build the prototypes." ~ Nollan

"I liked how our buddies got to help us with it." ~ Finnley