Beth White, Courtney Bryant and Reggie O’Neill

- Grades PK-8 -
School: Charles R. Drew Charter School

Type of School: Public – Charter

Location: Atlanta, GA

School Population: 1,313

Demographic: 89% minority students

% Free/reduced lunch program: 59%

 
- Grades 9-12 -
School: Charles R. Drew High School

Type of School: Public – Charter

Location: Atlanta, GA

School Population: 1,555

Demographic: 98% minority students

% Free/reduced lunch program: 100%

Learning Outcomes

This project integrates engineering design, business, art, English/language arts, and 21^st century skills and meets learning standards in language arts, engineering, technology, and applications of science from K – 12^th grade. Students will be able to conduct observational research, create sketches and a prototype of their design, present their product to the class, and market their product to their school community.

Download the open-source Project Plan Materials to view a complete list of standards and learning outcomes addressed in this project.

How Beth, Courtney and Reggie Did It

Grade: K-12^th

Timing: Five 35-minute class periods

Subjects: engineering and design, business, art; English, 21^st century skills

Materials: Batteries, LEDs, wire, aluminum foil, paperclips, flexible foam, tissue paper, foam board, paper and pencils, art supplies, construction paper, poster board, hot glue, scissors, tape, filament, pens, safety pins, various recyclables, computers

Project Steps: Beth, Courtney and Reggie implement this project in five stages following an initial one hour preparation. The stages include: Brief and Research, Research and Consumer Interviews, Idea Development and Selection,Prototyping, and Production.

How You Can Do It

Grade: K-12^th

Timing: 1-4 weeks (divided in the five project steps in a way that compliments your school bell schedule)

Subjects: engineering and design, business, art, English, 21^st century skills, social studies

Materials: The electronic supplies such as LEDs, wire, filament, and batteries etc. are recommended, however, you can use any art and construction materials that are available and familiar to you and your students. Additional materials can include cardboard, tape, and recycled materials etc. Optional tools can also enhance this project such as a 3D printer or laser cutter.

Project Steps: Depending on your students’ familiarity with the design process, engineering, and marketing, they may need additional time or instruction to support one or more of the project steps. Additionally, your students may be interested in designing a product for a different purpose or audience rather than parents/guardians at the school.