Apply the complete Grade 3 design skillset to create, evaluate, and improve a solution to a real classroom problem.
Learn — read and understand
Phase 1 — Empathize and define (30 minutes)
Observe your classroom for 10 minutes. Interview at least 2 classmates. Identify one genuine problem. Write a precise problem statement using the Who + What + Why formula. Then convert it into an HMW question. Your problem statement will be evaluated for specificity and user focus.
Phase 2 — Research and ideate (20 minutes)
Research: do any existing products already solve this problem? Then generate at least 6 thumbnail sketches — different approaches to solving your HMW question. Apply SCAMPER to generate at least 3 of the 6 ideas. Evaluate all 6 ideas against functionality, safety, and feasibility. Select the best and write a one-sentence justification.
Phase 3 — Prototype (40 minutes)
Build your chosen design from available materials (clay, cardboard, craft sticks, foam, tape). Create a fully annotated concept sketch before building. After building, conduct a SPAM analysis of your own prototype: what shapes, purposes, assembly methods, and materials did you use?
Phase 4 — Evaluate, improve, and present (30 minutes)
Evaluate your prototype using all 6 criteria (Functionality, Safety, Usability, Aesthetics, Durability, Sustainability). Score each criterion 1–4 with specific evidence. Apply one SCAMPER strategy to improve the lowest-scoring criterion. Then present: problem → ideas → prototype → evaluation → improvement → reflection.
Explore — what separates a great Grade 3 project from an average one
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Great problem statement
"Grade 3 students cannot find their pencils during timed tests because there is no organized storage on standard desks." — specific user, context, and consequence.
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Great concept sketch
All parts labeled with PART NAME and MATERIAL. Every unusual feature has a note explaining why it was chosen.
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Great evaluation
"Scored 3/4 on functionality because it held 20 pencils (PASS), but pencil slots are 1mm too narrow for fat pencils (PARTIAL FAIL). Improvement: widen slots from 8mm to 10mm."
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Great SCAMPER improvement
Before: tipped at 300g. After: wider base, tested at 600g — passes. Criterion improved from 1/4 to 4/4.
Put the complete design project phases in order
Drag or tap a label, then drop/tap on a zone
Empathize + Define
Research + Ideate
Build prototype
Evaluate + Improve
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Final capstone quiz — demonstrate complete Grade 3 mastery
1Your problem statement says 'students need better stuff.' What is wrong with it?
2You generate 6 thumbnail ideas. Why must at least 3 come from SCAMPER?
3Your SPAM analysis of your own prototype should tell you…
4Your prototype scores 1/4 on safety because a corner cuts fingers. Your improvement action should be…
5What must your presentation include to be considered Grade 3 quality?