The purpose of this project is to engage 8th grade students in a comprehensive exploration of attention spans in elementary school students, fostering a deeper understanding of cognitive development and learning needs. Through research, essay writing, and collaborative design, students will develop critical skills in research, writing, and design thinking. They will create functional fidgets tailored for different age groups, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving abilities. By partnering with community experts and presenting their findings, students will connect academic knowledge with real-world applications, ultimately contributing valuable resources to local elementary classrooms.

In this project, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of attention spans in elementary school students and apply this knowledge to create practical solutions. They will enhance their research skills by evaluating credible sources and synthesizing information to support their essays. Through essay writing, students will practice constructing a coherent argument, developing a thesis, and using proper MLA citation. The project will also foster design thinking as students ideate, prototype, test, and iterate fidget designs tailored to specific age groups. Collaboration and communication skills will be honed as students work in teams and engage with community partners. Additionally, students will cultivate empathy and understanding by exploring how attention spans vary and how these insights can inform the creation of supportive learning tools. Through reflection, students will critically analyze their learning journey and the impact of their designs on diverse learning needs.

In this project, students will accomplish several key outcomes. Individually, they will research and write a structured 5-paragraph essay on attention spans in elementary school students, ensuring they meet academic standards with a clear thesis, coherent argumentation, and correct MLA citations. Collaboratively, students will design and create fidgets tailored for specific elementary age groups, applying design thinking principles to develop prototypes that are functional, age-appropriate, and creative. These fidgets will be donated to local elementary school classrooms. Additionally, students will produce a digital portfolio that includes their essays, fidget designs, and personal reflections, showcasing their learning journey. They will also contribute to a community event and a digital guidebook or app, sharing their research findings and fidget designs with a wider audience, including tips for educators and parents on using fidgets to support learning. Through these products, students will demonstrate their understanding of attention spans, empathy for younger learners, and collaboration and communication skills.

To kick off the project, host a 'Brainstorming Bonanza' designed to immerse students in the concept of attention spans. Begin with interactive activities that simulate varying attention spans, such as quick focus tasks like memory games or puzzles, followed by longer concentration challenges like reading comprehension exercises or detailed drawing tasks. These activities will help students empathize with the experiences of younger students. Conclude the session with a group discussion where students share their observations and initial thoughts on how attention spans impact learning. This experience will set the stage for their research and design work, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of the project's objectives.

To effectively exhibit the students' learning and creations, organize a "Learning Lab Open House." Transform the classroom into an interactive space where students can showcase their essays, fidget prototypes, and reflections. Invite elementary school teachers, students, parents, and local educators to tour the lab. Set up stations where visitors can read the essays, try out the fidgets, and engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate the relationship between attention spans and learning tools. Encourage students to present their work and discuss their research findings, design processes, and reflections on the project. This event not only celebrates the students' achievements but also fosters community engagement and highlights the importance of supporting diverse learning needs.