Seventh-Grade Product Design Partners with Pre-K

In seventh and eighth-grade design classes, students are encouraged to help solve real-life problems at school or in their community. When Françoise visited seventh-grade product design with a problem, the students were eager to help her pre-k class.

The real-life problem was that some pre-k students needed quiet fidget toys when they couldn’t nap. The seventh graders took notes, asked questions, and brainstormed different ideas.

Over the next few weeks, the seventh graders worked on their sewing skills and designed the final product. The products were soft to stay quiet. Students created products filled with rocks or small trinkets that pre-kers could push around without making noise. Some had a marble and a maze to move the marble through.

In December, the seventh graders delivered the silent fidget toys to their pre-k clients. 

The final step in the design process is evaluation. The pre-k students visited the seventh-grade design class. The seventh graders interviewed their clients about the fidget toys and what they liked and didn’t like. Students got to interact and learn from each other.

“At first, I was shy, but then I was brave. I invited the big kids to my birthday and Christmas at my house.” -Kira, pre-k student.

The pre-k students were so inspired they started their own sewing project, and each student made a mitten.

One of the greatest assets students have is each other. Creating a product that solves a real-life problem for pre-k students makes the design process more tangible for seventh graders. The ability to collaborate across divisions enriches the learning experience for everyone.