1. Amanda Solarsh & Gina Tesoriero
Session #2198
Amanda Solarsh & Gina Tesoriero
This presentation and other resources can be found at
STEMeducators.weebly.com
GINA
Simon Baruch Middle School
New York City Department of Education
Grades 6-8

2. Build a Structure Challenge
In 7 minutes, build a structure with the materials provided.

3. Testing our Structure
Now we can see which structures will hold the weight of 100 pennies!

4. How would this challenge rate?

5. Our Concerns Classroom Size
Teaching 4 different classes with 120 students!
Teaching our new elective course where we only see students once a week
Managing building and testing within 45 minute periods
Materials!!! Cost? Storage?
Holding students accountable during group work
Assessment
Amanda- Intro with how PDs present design challenges but do not give you suggestions on how to successfully implement it in your classroom

6. Presentation Overview
Finding the balance
5 Elements of Structuring Design Challenges
Review Structuring Design Teacher Toolkit
Group Practice Structuring Design
GINA Start
This presentation and other resources can be found at STEMeducators.weebly.com

7. Finding the balance open ended
structured
Gina
challenges that promote divergent solutions
Supports classroom success

8. Inquiry vs. Structure Continuum
Open-Ended, Inquiry, Student led Design
Teacher Guided/Structured Design
Gina

9. Five Elements of Structuring Design
Real World Prompt
Material Management
Time Management
Groupwork Accountability
Promoting Collaboration

10. Element #1: Real World Prompt
Promotes student buy in
Integrates STEM subjects
Allows students to develops solutions to real world problems which promotes critical thinking skills
Real World Prompt

11. Real World Prompt Organizer

12. Example: Hurricane Shelter Design Project
Problem Statement:
You are a team of structural engineers hired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Mission: Create and test a model Hurricane Emergency Shelter that people can store in their homes or be built quickly by FEMA.
Real World Prompt

13. Criteria & Constraints
Real World Connections
Set parameters for students
Student
Developed
Teacher Directed
Real World Prompt

14. Element #2: Materials Concerns: Storage Space Controlling materials
Finding/Buying materials on limited budgets
Finding time to organize materials
Material Management

15. Getting Supplies Aluminum Foil Cardboard (corrugate and/or flat)
Dollar Store!
Recycling!
Household supplies!
Aluminum Foil
Cardboard (corrugate and/or flat)
Plastic Straws
Popsicle Sticks
Wax Paper
Saran Wrap
Balloons
Toothpicks
Packing Tape
Glue
Water bottles
Material Management

16. Get creative with storage
Lots of labeled bins or cardboard boxes
Use all available space
Material Management

17. Controlling Materials
Material Management

18. Element #3: Time Management
Time constraints for design in the classroom:
Short class periods
May not see classes everyday
Teach a variety of classes of different sizes and abilities
Time Management

19. Time management for short class periods
Have students work in groups
Create a design packet that breaks up the project into different steps or sections
Each step is  about 1-2 class periods
Steps can included:
Identifying Criteria and Constraints
Evaluating and Selecting Materials
Individual/Group Brain Storm
Testing
Rebuild/ Reflections
Time Management

20. Design Project Packet
Time Management

21. Element #4 Group Accountability
Keeping all students on task
Assessment
Graded as individual vs. group
Groupwork Accountability

22. Holding all students accountable
Establish Groupwork Norms and Expectations
Provide both individual and group assessment
Groupwork Accountability

23. Keeping All Students on Task
Groupwork Accountability

24. Structure vs. Inquiry Continuum
Depending on students’ ability and levels, can take away some structure to leave it more open ended.
Ex. Students determine criteria and constraints
Students bring in materials
Gina
Promoting Collaboration

26. Structuring Your Own Design Challenge!
Select a Prompt Card.
Discuss with group how to structure prompt into a manageable design challenge.
Use Structure vs. Inquiry Organizer.