Welcome to the eXtreme STEAM Sleigh Edition Project
For 2020, we have considered ways students can participate in any learning environment. Whether your classes are in person, hybrid, or fully remote, we have entry points for your creative thinkers. Welcome aboard!
STEP 1 - RegisterStart the learning journey for your students by Registering for our Project by Sunday, December 13. All registered classrooms will be invited to a special virtual event, so don't miss out.
|
STEP 2 - Read the StoryTo set the stage for the project begin with a reading of The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker. The book is available in both print or Kindle version. Did you know that you can read a Kindle book in a web browser? Simply use the Kindle Cloud Reader. This allows you to screen share the pages making it easy for students to follow along as you read.
In the story, students will see how the elves reimagined Santa's sleigh to have better performance and style. Invite your students to discuss some of the innovative designs the elves created.
|
STEP 3 - Let's Walk Through an Initial Design Thinking Experience. Begin with empathizing with Santa.Our eXtreme STEAM project is designed so that students can make a positive impact on their community, but we highly recommend starting with a Design Thinking Challenge centered on the book.
The beginning of the Design Thinking process is to consider the character or person's needs. Ask students to go back into the text to find evidence of what Santa needs to deliver the packages.
|
STEP 4 - Define the ProblemNow it's time for students to define a problem statement that will focus their design work. Problem statements have 3 components: 1) a user, 2) a need, and 3) a goal. These are then combined following the pattern [A user] needs [need] in order to accomplish [goal].
Example: Santa, who is struggling with the current sleigh, needs a new design in order to deliver the packages on time. Invite your class to develop their own problem statement for The 12 Sleighs of Christmas. |
STEP 4 - Ideation PhaseChallenge your students to design a new sleigh for Santa. It can be practical, fanciful, magical, or even over the top. See where their imaginations lead them.
|
STEP 5 - Construct the Sleigh PrototypeNow it's time for students to construct a 3D prototype of the new sleigh for Santa. The best part of prototyping is students can use any materials they have available.
|
PART 2 :
Now Let's Design a Solution for the Community
We understand that 2020 COVID restrictions make community service projects difficult,
but we do invite you to continue reading through the steps to see if there is
a possible opportunity for your students.
but we do invite you to continue reading through the steps to see if there is
a possible opportunity for your students.
STEP 7 - Research - Interview a Nonprofit or Organization that Services the CommunityThe goals of eXtremeSTEAM are:
1) to challenge students through design thinking 2) to positively impact their communities During this phase, students should interview a local nonprofit or organization that services the community. It's difficult to have guest speakers visit schools, especially if your class is fully remote, but luckily, virtual connections are possible. Every school district's guest speaker policy varies, so please check with your school leaders about virtual guest speakers.
|
STEP 8 - Identify a Problem Statement for Your Service ProjectAfter listening and interviewing the guest speaker, invite the class to draft a problem statement. Similar to the process with STEP 4 above, Problem statements have 3 components: 1) a user, 2) a need, and 3) a goal. These are then combined following the pattern [A user] needs [need] in order to accomplish [goal].
Example: Santa, who is struggling with the current sleigh, needs a new design in order to deliver the packages on time. |
STEP 9 - Ideate SolutionsNow it's time to ideate possible solutions for the class to support the nonprofit or organization. Keeping in mind social distancing and other constraints, the students need to think of ways they can support the community while following local guidelines.
A great way to get the creative juices flowing is to complete a "The Worst Idea" exercise. Also known as "The Bad Idea Factory", students come up with as many terrible solutions to the problem as they can. Believe it or not, this exercise pushes creative thinking and boosts student confidence when sharing of ideas.
|
STEP 10 - Prototype the SolutionNow that your students have an idea that could help their partner organization, it's time to prototype their solution on paper/digital collaborative document. The class should consider all the steps needed to complete the solution.
Be sure to check out 45 Socially Distanced Service Project Ideas We highly encourage classes to share their ideas with building administration. It's important that you have leadership support for the project. Plus, the administrator can act as a positive critical friend by offering feedback to students. Don't forget to share prototype photos on social media with our #eXtremeSTEAMedu hashtag. We can't wait to see students' creativity in action. |
STEP 12 - Celebrate and Share Your Story on our FlipgridWe can't wait to celebrate your students' creativity and generosity! Please share your story on our project Flipgrid.
DEADLINE for the video submission is Monday, January 4, 2021. |