Empathize
Empathize
Students will explore the role of sensory receptors by researching and gathering information on how humans respond to stimuli, conducting initial experiments to observe sensory reactions, and creating visual models to illustrate their understanding of brain message processing.
Days 1 - 3
Define
Define
Students will collaborate in pairs to synthesize their research on sensory receptors, utilizing provided resources to construct a clear and actionable problem statement that connects the essential question to real-world applications, preparing them for ideation and prototyping in subsequent phases.
Days 4 - 6
Prototype
Prototype
Students will construct prototypes of their sensory receptor demonstrations, apply insights from their experiments and research, engage in peer-to-peer feedback cycles, and refine their prototypes for effectiveness and clarity in preparation for exhibition day presentations.
Days 11 - 15
Test/Present
Test/Present
Students will conduct a demonstration of their chosen sensory receptor, collect data through interactive trials, synthesize findings in a one-pager pamphlet, and present evocative models and journals, effectively communicating their understanding of sensory input and its influence on behavior during the exhibition day.
Days 16 - 20
15 min over capacity (225 min available across 5 days)
Empathize
Days 1–3
Define
Days 4–6
Ideate
Days 7–10
Prototype
Days 11–15
Test/Present
Days 16–20
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
28
Day 2
Senses Scavenger Hunt Receptors Roles
Senses Scavenger Hunt Receptors Roles
29
Day 3
Receptor Types and Signal Pathways
Receptor Types and Signal Pathways
31
Day 5
Create Visuals to Explain Signals
Create Visuals to Explain Signals
August 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
3
Day 6
Frame Senses Problem
Frame Senses Problem
5
Day 8
Collaborative Brainstorming and Receptor Trial Plans
Collaborative Brainstorming and Receptor Trial Plans
6
Day 9
Sketch and Justify Receptor Illustrations
Sketch and Justify Receptor Illustrations
7
Day 10
Concept Sketches and Rationale
Concept Sketches and Rationale
10
Day 11
Prototype
Introduction to Receptors: Functions and Signals
Introduction to Receptors: Functions and Signals
11
Day 12
Prototype Design for Receptor Demonstrations
Prototype Design for Receptor Demonstrations
12
Day 13
Peer Feedback Protocols for Prototyping
Peer Feedback Protocols for Prototyping
13
Day 14
Prototype Iteration: Refine Receptor Demonstrations
Prototype Iteration: Refine Receptor Demonstrations
14
Day 15
Prototype Iteration Log
Prototype Iteration Log
User Testing Report
User Testing Report
17
Day 16
Test/Present
Design Reproducible Sensory Trial Protocols
Design Reproducible Sensory Trial Protocols
18
Day 17
Conduct Sensory Receptor Demonstrations and Data
Conduct Sensory Receptor Demonstrations and Data
19
Day 18
Synthesize Results into One-Page Pamphlet
Synthesize Results into One-Page Pamphlet
20
Day 19
Practice Presentations and Final Nervous Exhibit
Practice Presentations and Final Nervous Exhibit
21
Day 20
Nervous System Exhibition
Nervous System Exhibition