Define the Problem

Have student groups use the Design Thinking Workbook to:

• Record the list of real-world problems that was created by the class.
• Discuss and add any other problems to the list.
• Narrow this list down to a top real-world problem.
• Explain the selected problem in detail.

Remind students that they may need to compromise.

Ideate

Have student groups use the Design Thinking Workbook to:

• Brainstorm and record possible solutions for their selected problem.
• Select their top solution.
• Explain the selected solution in detail with words and diagrams.

Plan

Have students use the Design Thinking Workbook to:

• Establish team roles such as:
  • Lead Programmer: Holds the tablet and integrates group member ideas to create the program in Blockly.
  • Documentarian: Records, writes, and/or draws all group results, thoughts, and progress. Illustrates group designs and ideas.
  • Lead Builder: Collects the materials needed to build the accessory. The lead builder oversees the building and testing of the prototype.
• Draft a design of their accessory idea for Dash.
  • Students can draw the design by hand or use an online program to design a 3D draft (e.g., Tinkercad).
  • An alternative would be to have students each create an individual sketch and then combine the best of their ideas based on group discussion.

Have each group share their design with a teacher or adult.

• Have students make any needed adjustments to their original plan based on teacher feedback.

Build

Have students use the Design Thinking Workbook to:

• Make a list of the recycled materials they will need to build a prototype of their design.
• Gather the necessary materials.
• Build the prototype.
• If students created a 3D draft of their design, they can use a 3D printer to print out their prototype.

Have each group share their prototype with the teacher.

• Have them make any needed adjustments based on the teacher’s feedback.

Program & Test

Have students use the Design Thinking Workbook to:

• Plan a program for Dash that will help demonstrate their accessory design.
• Use the Blockly app to develop their program.
• Record the results of their code and prototype.
• Make any improvements based on their test.

The program should contain criteria that you’ve established depending on students’ coding abilities. For example, the criteria could include: functions, variables, and/or conditionals.

• Remind students of the criteria (e.g., “Don’t forget to include a variable and a Function block. Think about what kind of information you can keep track of to help you with your program.”).