Identify a real problem in your classroom, design a solution, build it, test it, and present your findings.
Learn — read and understand
Phase 1 — Problem discovery (Empathize + Define)
Spend time in your classroom observing and interviewing classmates. What frustrates them? What is missing? What takes too long? Choose ONE specific problem and write a clear problem statement: "Students in Grade 2 need a way to [specific action] because [specific reason]."
Phase 2 — Design and sketch (Ideate)
Generate at least THREE different design ideas — no matter how simple or silly. For each idea, sketch it and list: what shapes it uses, what materials you would need, and one advantage and one disadvantage. Then choose the best idea and explain why.
Phase 3 — Build and test (Prototype + Test)
Build your chosen design using available materials (clay, cardboard, craft sticks, foam). Document your build process with sketches. Then test it: does it solve the original problem? Measure or observe what works and what does not. Record everything.
Phase 4 — Improve and present
Based on your test results, make at least ONE specific improvement to your model. Then prepare a short presentation: state the problem, explain your design, show what the test results were, describe your improvement, and reflect on what you would do differently.
Explore — review all design process phases
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Empathize + Define
Observe → interview → write problem statement. The best solutions start with the deepest understanding of the problem.
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Ideate
3+ sketched ideas, each with shapes listed, pros, cons. Then pick ONE and justify your choice.
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Prototype + Test
Build it. Test it. Record actual data: does it work? what failed? what held up?
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Improve + Present
Make one data-driven improvement. Then present: problem → design → test results → improvement → reflection.
Put the complete design project phases in order
Drag or tap a label, then drop/tap on a zone
Empathize
Define problem
Ideate 3+ ideas
Build prototype
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Final project quiz — demonstrate your full Grade 2 learning!
1Your problem statement should be specific because…
2Why generate THREE design ideas instead of just one?
3In your presentation, why must you show test RESULTS (not just your opinion)?
4What makes a project 'improvement' valid in engineering?