Empathize
Students will engage in a hands-on plant exploration activity, observing different plant traits and discussing how these traits can address human challenges, while collaborating with peers to share insights and form a foundational understanding of user needs.
Days 1 - 2
210 min over capacity (60 min available across 2 days)
Plant Detective Day: Discover Plant Parts
Launch 40m
Plant Detective: Observe Plant Parts
Deliverable 45m
Plant Detective Part-Spotting and Sketching
Project Work 45m
Plant Parts Sketching for Inventions
Deliverable 45m
Sketching Plant Structures for Inventions
Deliverable 50m
Crafting Plant Part Models and Drawings
Project Work 45m
Define
Students will analyze their observations from the Plant Discovery Day, collaborate in pairs to identify a human challenge that can be addressed using plant traits, and begin crafting a clear problem statement that guides their design process.
Days 3 - 4
135 min over capacity (60 min available across 2 days)
Design Plant-Inspired Tool Prototypes Together
Deliverable 60m
Comparing Parent and Offspring Plant Traits
Project Work 45m
Plant Part Vocabulary and Diagram Labeling
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Designing Wind-Resistant Structures From Nature
Project Work 45m
Ideate
Students will brainstorm and sketch multiple plant-inspired tool ideas that address specific human challenges, fostering creativity and collaboration by working in small groups to evaluate and enhance each other's concepts while using materials and observations collected from the botanical garden tour.
Days 5 - 6
140 min over capacity (60 min available across 2 days)
Observing Plant Traits for Survival
Knowledge/Skill Building 50m
Prototype Plant-Inspired Tools for Humans
Project Work 45m
Designing a Plant-Inspired Shelter Prototype
Project Work 60m
Testing and Improving Plant-Inspired Prototypes
Project Work 45m
Prototype
Students will collaboratively build and test small-scale prototypes of their plant-inspired tools, using accessible materials to iteratively refine their designs based on peer feedback and observed performance during hands-on activities.
Days 7 - 9
115 min over capacity (90 min available across 3 days)
3D Plant Models and Invention Sketches
Project Work 60m
Plant-Inspired Invention Showcase and Reflection
Project Work 60m
Sharing Models and Reflective Circle
Project Work 40m
Investigate Plant Parts Through Gallery Walk
Knowledge/Skill Building 45m
Test/Present
Students will test their plant-inspired tools with peers, gather feedback through a collaborative reflection circle, and present their final designs to a panel of teachers and community partners, explaining how plant traits informed their creations and assessing their effectiveness in solving human problems.
Days 10 - 12
70 min over capacity (90 min available across 3 days)
Observe Traits for Plant Survival Evidence
Knowledge/Skill Building 50m
Design Plant-Inspired Tool Prototypes for Challenges
Project Work 60m
Showcase Prototypes and Reflect on Learning
Project Work 50m