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
Day 1
Meet the Senses in Action
Launch
45m
Day 2
Senses Scavenger Hunt Receptors Roles
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 3
Receptor Types and Signal Pathways
Knowledge/Skill Building
40m
Define
Days 4–6
Day 4
Draft Problem Statement With Partners
Project Work
60m
Day 5
Create Visuals to Explain Signals
Project Work
50m
Day 6
Frame Senses Problem
Deliverable
Ideate
Days 7–10
Day 7
Intro to Sensory Receptor Functions
Knowledge/Skill Building
50m
Day 8
Collaborative Brainstorming and Receptor Trial Plans
Project Work
50m
Day 9
Sketch and Justify Receptor Illustrations
Project Work
50m
Day 10
Concept Sketches and Rationale
Deliverable
Prototype
Days 11–15
Day 11
Introduction to Receptors: Functions and Signals
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 12
Prototype Design for Receptor Demonstrations
Project Work
60m
Day 13
Peer Feedback Protocols for Prototyping
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 14
Prototype Iteration: Refine Receptor Demonstrations
Project Work
60m
Day 15
Prototype Iteration Log
Deliverable
User Testing Report
Deliverable
Test/Present
Days 16–20
Day 16
Design Reproducible Sensory Trial Protocols
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 17
Conduct Sensory Receptor Demonstrations and Data
Project Work
60m
Day 18
Synthesize Results into One-Page Pamphlet
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 19
Practice Presentations and Final Nervous Exhibit
Project Work
60m
Day 20
Nervous System Exhibition
Assessment
May 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
25
Day 1
Empathize
Meet the Senses in Action
26
Day 2
Senses Scavenger Hunt Receptors Roles
27
Day 3
Receptor Types and Signal Pathways
28
Day 4
Define
Draft Problem Statement With Partners
29
Day 5
Create Visuals to Explain Signals
June 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Day 6
Frame Senses Problem
2
Day 7
Ideate
Intro to Sensory Receptor Functions
3
Day 8
Collaborative Brainstorming and Receptor Trial Plans
4
Day 9
Sketch and Justify Receptor Illustrations
5
Day 10
Concept Sketches and Rationale
8
Day 11
Prototype
Introduction to Receptors: Functions and Signals
9
Day 12
Prototype Design for Receptor Demonstrations
10
Day 13
Peer Feedback Protocols for Prototyping
11
Day 14
Prototype Iteration: Refine Receptor Demonstrations
12
Day 15
Prototype Iteration Log
User Testing Report
15
Day 16
Test/Present
Design Reproducible Sensory Trial Protocols
16
Day 17
Conduct Sensory Receptor Demonstrations and Data
17
Day 18
Synthesize Results into One-Page Pamphlet
18
Day 19
Practice Presentations and Final Nervous Exhibit
19
Day 20
Nervous System Exhibition