Kid-ology: Growing Minds, Happy Hearts!

High School Grade Project 5 weeks

Child Development Delight: Explore, Learn, Grow

Dasha L

Feb 5, 2026

Updated Feb 5, 2026

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7

Effective Communication

Collaboration

Content Expertise

+ 3 more

1-pager

Purpose

Your project aims to bridge the gap in understanding child development, particularly focusing on mental and behavioral health. By researching and creating informative media, you will provide new parents and interested individuals with actionable insights into nurturing a child's growth effectively. This endeavor not only enhances your understanding but also empowers your community with essential knowledge, preparing attendees for deeper engagement through well-curated exhibitions and interactive websites.

Learning goals

In this project, build proficiency in research methodologies by conducting interviews and collaborating with community partners. Develop expertise in child development topics, focusing on nutrition, safety, behavioral management, and mental health. Enhance effective communication skills through the creation and exhibition of digital media and interactive presentations, fostering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing children's growth. Strengthen critical thinking by synthesizing diverse insights from experts and real-world observations. Promote collaboration by engaging with peers and mentors to co-design and refine your project's outcomes.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Competencies

Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Produce a digital booklet incorporating case studies and expert insights from interviews with pediatricians and child psychologists, available both online and at exhibition events. Develop an interactive website complete with sections on children's nutrition, behavior management strategies, and safety guidelines, featuring downloadable guides and video content derived from your research process. Record and edit a series of informative video interviews with healthcare professionals discussing children's mental and behavioral health, suitable for showcasing at your 'Young Minds Symposium' and on your website.

Launch

Kick off your project with an engaging 'Mind Mapping Session' where you will brainstorm initial questions and areas of interest related to child development. Invite guest speakers such as a local pediatrician or child psychologist to share introductory insights, sparking curiosity and guiding deeper exploration. Complement this with a collaborative workshop, where you and your peers can draft focused questions and strategies for conducting effective research, setting the project foundation.

Exhibition

Coordinate a 'Young Minds Symposium' to showcase your research findings and created materials in interactive sessions led by community experts. Engage with parents and educators through workshops and panel discussions that delve into critical topics such as children's nutrition, safety, and mental health. Host the 'Child Connection Expo' featuring hands-on activities, video interviews, and digital booklets at various stations, allowing visitors to explore and interact with project content while gaining practical insights into child development.

Rubric

Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric

Category	Learning Goal	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies	Effective Communication	I can actively listen and engage with guest speakers and peers during the Mind Mapping Session, asking questions that reflect my curiosity and guide deeper exploration into child development topics I can effectively gather and synthesize information from multiple sources, including interviews and research, to communicate my findings in a well-organized digital booklet and interactive website, demonstrating a clear understanding of child development issues.	I can effectively communicate by presenting my research findings in clear language and utilizing visuals to engage my audience during the project exhibition.	I can effectively communicate my research findings on child development by synthesizing multiple sources, including interviews with experts, and present these insights through engaging digital media and interactive presentations at the 'Young Minds Symposium.'	I can effectively communicate complex ideas on child development by synthesizing insights from multiple sources, including interviews with pediatricians and psychologists, and presenting these findings in engaging digital media formats I confidently articulate my research outcomes through both interactive exhibitions and online platforms, ensuring my audience gains practical understanding and actionable strategies.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Collaboration	I actively contribute to brainstorming sessions, offering my ideas and listening to others, to develop a comprehensive list of research questions I engage in team meetings to co-design strategies for data collection and analysis, always keeping an open mind and respecting diverse perspectives I collaborate efficiently by adapting to group dynamics and supporting peers in resolving conflicts, ensuring our project goals are met through shared decision-making.	I can actively engage in team discussions to co-design research questions that are focused and relevant, taking into account various perspectives and expertise I contribute ideas and listen to peers to refine our strategies for collecting and synthesizing information from multiple reliable sources.	I can effectively co-create project plans with my peers by actively participating in brainstorming sessions and workshops, using feedback from guest speakers and my classmates to refine our research questions and strategies I engage in shared decision-making, ensuring each team member's ideas are valued, and work collaboratively to synthesize information from various sources during our research process, demonstrating our understanding of child development topics.	I can effectively co-design and execute research projects with my peers, demonstrating shared decision-making by collaboratively generating focused questions and strategies I critically synthesize insights from multiple expert sources and community partners, showing a deep understanding of child development topics and contribute to real-world solutions through engaging exhibitions and digital media.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Content Expertise	I can effectively gather and synthesize information from multiple credible sources, including interviews and expert insights, to gain a deep understanding of child development topics like nutrition, safety, and mental health, and I can use this knowledge to create a digital booklet that is informative and engaging for new parents and the community.	I can conduct focused research to answer a key question about child development, using multiple sources to gather information and begin to synthesize insights I invite feedback from peers and mentors to refine my understanding and direction, showing emerging confidence in my ability to explain how various factors affect children's growth.	I can effectively gather information on child development by conducting insightful interviews with pediatricians and child psychologists, ensuring varied perspectives are included in my digital booklet and website content I apply research methodologies to develop deep understanding, demonstrating my expertise by synthesizing this information into comprehensive and accessible resources that help new parents and community members.	I can effectively synthesize information from multiple expert sources to create a comprehensive digital booklet and interactive website that detail child development topics I conduct thorough research, interview healthcare professionals, and curate engaging content that provides valuable insights to new parents and the community Through exhibitions and digital media, I clearly communicate complex concepts like children's nutrition, behavioral management, and mental health in an accessible way.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Self Directed Learning	I can independently set clear research goals and manage my time effectively to explore a self-generated question related to child development I use feedback from peers and mentors to adjust my inquiry approach and apply multiple sources of information in a meaningful way, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject under investigation.	I can utilize feedback from my peers and mentor to refine my research questions and strategies, effectively managing my own learning process while incorporating insights from multiple sources I actively participate in and contribute to group discussions and workshops, demonstrating my ability to synthesize expert knowledge into actionable plans that guide my project work.	I am adept at guiding my own learning journey by actively seeking feedback from teachers and peers to refine my research techniques I skillfully apply insights gained from interviews and multiple sources in child development topics to create compelling digital content I demonstrate my ability to adjust my inquiry focus when needed and synthesize diverse perspectives to deepen my understanding and effectively communicate findings Through collaboration, I co-design meaningful projects that align with my personal learning goals and showcase my content expertise.	I can independently create and manage a detailed project plan for researching child development, using feedback and reflection to adapt my methods and address evolving inquiries I monitor my progress effectively, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the subject by integrating diverse expert insights into dynamic presentations and informative media.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving	I can ask focused questions and identify key areas of interest to start researching topics related to child development By gathering diverse insights from guest speakers and multiple sources, I demonstrate my understanding of the subject and can create informative content that applies to real-world scenarios.	I can explore various sources and perspectives to create a comprehensive understanding of child development issues, identifying key themes through discussions with experts I synthesize these insights into clear, actionable research questions, demonstrating my ability to focus inquiries that address real-world problems.	I can effectively use critical thinking to identify complex questions about child development and apply problem-solving skills to guide my research, integrating diverse sources of information and expert insights to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic I can demonstrate my ability to adapt my research strategy when new information arises, ensuring accuracy and depth in my project outcomes.	I can effectively research and solve complex, real-world problems related to child development by conducting thorough interviews and synthesizing diverse insights from multiple expert sources I critically evaluate the information I gather, adjusting my inquiry to deepen my understanding and deliver comprehensive, actionable solutions.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Academic Mindset	I confidently engage in research projects, working both independently and collaboratively with others, to explore complex questions about child development I actively synthesize multiple sources and insights from interviews with experts, demonstrating a clear understanding and application of the topics like children's mental and behavioral health to create informative content.	I can demonstrate my understanding of child development by conducting research with a focus on mental and behavioral health I effectively use feedback and self-reflection to refine my research questions and synthesize a range of expert insights, integrating them into the creation of digital media resources that inform new parents and community members.	I demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and identity through my child development project by independently organizing information gathered from various sources, including expert interviews and community feedback I effectively synthesize this information to create informative digital media, showcasing my research at exhibitions where I confidently engage with the community, offering practical insights into children's growth and development.	I confidently initiate and conduct in-depth research projects by generating meaningful questions and exploring diverse perspectives, utilizing expert insights to synthesize comprehensive information on child development topics I effectively showcase my understanding through engaging and structured presentations, empowering others through my contributions and demonstrating leadership within my learning community.

Plan

By Phase By Day Calendar

Empathize

You will engage in interviews and discussions with pediatricians, child psychologists, and parents to gather insights and questions on child development, while observing interactions at a local daycare to understand real-world challenges and needs.

Days 1 - 3

Meet Real Users

Launch 60m

Empathy Artifacts & Maps

Deliverable 90m

Define

You will synthesize research findings to develop a refined problem statement, integrating key insights from interviews and panel discussions to guide impactful solutions in your project materials.

Days 4 - 6

Synthesize Interview Insights to Refine Problem

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Frame the Child Problem

Deliverable 90m

Ideate

You will brainstorm innovative solutions for child development issues by collaborating in diverse teams, using mind mapping techniques to explore potential ideas for booklets, websites, and digital content that address essential questions related to children's mental and behavioral health.

Days 7 - 10

Panel Interview Prep and Source Evaluation

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Audience-Focused Website Outline Draft for Child Development

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Concept Sketch Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Prototype

You will develop and refine interactive prototypes of your digital booklet and website, incorporating feedback from community partners and peers through structured testing sessions to enhance user experience and content accuracy.

Days 11 - 15

Design Wireframes for Digital Booklet

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Structured Prototype Testing with Stakeholders

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Portfolio Reflection and Iteration Plan

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Prototype Iteration Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Prototype Iteration Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Prepare Structured Testing Protocols for Prototypes

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Structured User Testing

Deliverable 90m

Structured Testing Protocol

Deliverable 75m

Test/Present

You will present your digital portfolio of research materials, booklets, flyers, and online media, engage community partners and attendees in interactive sessions at exhibition events, validate your solutions through feedback, and demonstrate your understanding by addressing stakeholders' questions and fostering discussions on child development topics.

Days 16 - 20

Refine Essential Research Questions for Project

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Plan Expert Interviews and Questions

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Evaluate Sources and Review Literature

Knowledge/Skill Building 50m

Synthesize Findings into Draft Media

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Peer Feedback and Reflection on Portfolio

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Practice Exhibition: Share Your Findings

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Young Minds Exhibition

Assessment

Empathize Days 1–3

Day 1

Meet Real Users

Launch 60m

Day 2

Empathy Artifacts & Maps

Deliverable 90m

Day 3

Synthesize Interview Insights to Refine Problem

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Define Days 4–6

Day 4

Frame the Child Problem

Deliverable 90m

Day 5

Panel Interview Prep and Source Evaluation

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Day 6

Audience-Focused Website Outline Draft for Child Development

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Ideate Days 7–10

Day 7

Concept Sketch Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Day 8

Design Wireframes for Digital Booklet

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Day 9

Structured Prototype Testing with Stakeholders

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Day 10

Portfolio Reflection and Iteration Plan

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Prototype Days 11–15

Day 11

Prototype Iteration Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Prototype Iteration Sprint

Deliverable 90m

Day 12

Prepare Structured Testing Protocols for Prototypes

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Day 13

Structured User Testing

Deliverable 90m

Structured Testing Protocol

Deliverable 75m

Day 14

Refine Essential Research Questions for Project

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Day 15

Plan Expert Interviews and Questions

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Test/Present Days 16–20

Day 16

Evaluate Sources and Review Literature

Knowledge/Skill Building 50m

Day 17

Synthesize Findings into Draft Media

Knowledge/Skill Building 60m

Day 18

Peer Feedback and Reflection on Portfolio

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Day 19

Practice Exhibition: Share Your Findings

Knowledge/Skill Building 45m

Day 20

Young Minds Exhibition

Assessment

April 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

13 Day 1

Empathize

Meet Real Users

14 Day 2

Empathy Artifacts & Maps

15 Day 3

Synthesize Interview Insights to Refine Problem

16 Day 4

Define

Frame the Child Problem

20 Day 5

Panel Interview Prep and Source Evaluation

21 Day 6

Audience-Focused Website Outline Draft for Child Development

22 Day 7

Ideate

Concept Sketch Sprint

23 Day 8

Design Wireframes for Digital Booklet

27 Day 9

Structured Prototype Testing with Stakeholders

28 Day 10

Portfolio Reflection and Iteration Plan

29 Day 11

Prototype

Prototype Iteration Sprint

30 Day 12

Prepare Structured Testing Protocols for Prototypes

May 2026

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

4 Day 13

Structured User Testing

Structured Testing Protocol

5 Day 14

Refine Essential Research Questions for Project

6 Day 15

Plan Expert Interviews and Questions

7 Day 16

Test/Present

Evaluate Sources and Review Literature

11 Day 17

Synthesize Findings into Draft Media

12 Day 18

Peer Feedback and Reflection on Portfolio

13 Day 19

Practice Exhibition: Share Your Findings

14 Day 20

Young Minds Exhibition

Child Development Delight: Explore, Learn, Grow

Purpose

Learning goals

Standards

Competencies

Products

Launch

Exhibition

Edit Phase

Edit Phase

Edit Phase

Edit Phase

Edit Phase

April 2026

May 2026