Design Challenge: Space Adventures

For schools that want to offer programs with a strong design-thinking challenge, this class offers a multi-week solution design challenge where students work collaboratively to solve a “big” problem.  There are several challenges to choose from; some require use of a larger, raw space where large materials can be used and stored between classes. (Some require normal classroom space, i.e., Space Adventures).  All design challenge classes focus on planning before projects can begin. Theses challenges use the engineering design process as a strategy for solving problems.

This take mixes randomly assigned roles in a fantasy world to challenge students to create solutions for survival in this randomized criteria. Working in teams, they have to solve problems of creating a peaceful, sustainable, enjoyable “world” while addressing the random needs and preferences of their combined characters. Students first create the fantasy world and then build a working model.