Design Thinking in the Elementary Classroom - 2nd Grade Indian Mounds

Teacher

Indian Mounds second grade teachers Carri McGuire, Gretchen Orth and Jess Schenk and art specialist Terry Cooper are members of the Design Thinking Cohort this year. The second grade team is also in year one of the Computer Science Immersion program at Indian Mounds.

Instructional Strategy

The four teachers worked together to choose a project that would not only engage their students but also ignite their creativity and passions.

The team of four collaborated to create and implement a design thinking project based on the book Balloons Over Broadway. The classroom teachers introduced the book and led the students through the initial steps of the LAUNCH cycle. Under Cooper’s artististic guidance students selected an animal to turn into a balloon, sketched their designs on paper and created a clay prototype.

The second graders are now in the process of creating their balloons out of cardboard boxes, using Makedo cardboard construction kits. Students are also working with Cooper to create buildings that resemble those in New York City, the setting of the book and the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the balloons are complete, the students will parade their designs through the school to showcase their efforts and final projects. Cooper guided the students to design balloons that can be worn or held and supported with meter sticks.

See What It Looks Like

Students in all three second grade classrooms are working together, problem solving and sharing ideas. A sense of excitement is always present; the teachers have created classroom environments that all students can thrive in.

McGuire, Orth and Schenk’s hard work overflows into the art classroom where multiple students’ hands shoot up when Cooper asks who would like to help a friend with their project. A student commented, “My favorite part was getting my balloon done, so I can help other kids.” Students love creating with the plastic saws and tools, many stated that they love using the saws to cut and create, “You have to be really strong. It’s hard, but fun!” one student said. Students are excited about the work they have created; the four teachers have successfully created a memorable learning opportunity for their students.

Additional Resources

• Design Thinking Video Example