Backpack Design Challenge

Backpack Design Challenge: An Essential Educational Resource

An adaptable tool for various educational contexts such as Makerspaces, independent study times, STEM classes, technology courses, library periods and afterschool programs - The Backpack Design Challenge provides a ready-made solution to seamlessly incorporate engaging design challenges into the teaching environment.

This resource is particularly considered beneficial in fostering innovation, creative thinking and problem-solving skills among students. It offers an array of design briefs conveniently segmented into key sections such as:

• Context: Connects real-life scenarios with content standards.
• Design Challenge: Indicates specific tasks for students.
• Specifications and Constraints: Imparts an understanding of planning within given parameters.
• Materials & Tools Required: Lists down the essentials needed to complete the task.

Versatility & Convenience for Educators

This versatile teaching tool can be adapted according to individual lesson requirements or student capabilities. It proves especially beneficial during Genius Hour sessions or STEAM classes where personalized learning paths can be created utilizing these design challenges. Additionally, it supports social-emotional learning by promoting independent thought processes while encouraging interactivity. No specific grade requirement is indicated making it applicable across different grades. The primary subject it caters to is Science underlining specifically Engineering sub-subjects.

The Takeaway

Be it assignments in small groups during class hours or larger ensemble activities at camps; integrative homework projects or slight breather between theory lessons - this resource provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on cognitive growth. The Backpack Design Challenge nurtures innovative skills using real-life application examples thus offering a comprehensively practical education amidst promoting creativity in daily scholastic experiences.

The design briefs come ready to go with the following sections:

Context - so the challenge makes sense

Design Challenge - what the task is to do

Specifications - the must do’s for this challenge

Constraints - the limitations for this challenge

Materials - needed for the challenge 

Tools - needed for the challenge 

Steps - to complete the challenge

Tips - helpful info for the challenge