It’s all in the Design
"Design, and the development of new technologies, have given rise to profound changes in society, transforming how we access and process information; how we adapt to our environment; how we communicate with others; how we are able to solve problems; and how we work and live together."
"Design challenges all students to apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems; encourages students to explore the role of design in both historical and contemporary contexts; and raises students’ awareness of their responsibilities when making design decisions and taking action."
-IBO
Design is the link between innovation and creativity, taking thoughts and exploring the possibilities and constraints. It is human-centered and focuses on identifying ideas and needs. Design Thinking draws on empathy and encourages students to take action.
Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the PYP Design Thinking Class. The class utilizes the design cycle as a tool used to structure inquiry. This process requires the analysis of problems, the development of feasible solutions, the creation of solutions, and the testing and evaluation of the solution. 3rd and In Design Thinking, a solution can be defined as a model, prototype, product, or system that students have developed and created independently.
NEW THIS YEAR - Design Thinking is offered in 3rd-5th Grades as an introductory class in preparation for STEAM in 6th-8th Grades.
The aims of PYP Design Thinking classes are to encourage and enable students to:
enjoy the design process
develop transdisciplinary knowledge, understanding, and skills to design and create solutions to problems using the design cycle
create solutions and solve problems
develop an appreciation of the impact of design innovations for life, global society, and environments
appreciate past, present and emerging design within cultural, social, historical, and environmental contexts
develop respect for others’ viewpoints and appreciate alternative solutions to problems
demonstrate empathy to take action
