Education - Design Thinking

Although Design Thinking seems to have a natural link to STEM courses, it is also very useful in the Humanities.  Deeper thinking and problem-solving in Social Studies and English can challenge students to go beyond a typical question-answer sequence. Think of provocative picture books like "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan.  Can this depiction of the immigrant experience lead to interesting ideas that would make this transition easier?  Start with an "empathetic" conversation about particular events in this book and how could this event be a better experience for the immigrant. 

Picture books and novels can present real world problems that students identify with and are motivated to solve, or at least creatively problem identify.

Non-fiction social studies materials could also challenge students to re-write history through Design Thinking prototypes.

Art is often a natural artifact of Design Thinking and this process can be integrated well into the planning.

Included on this page are current websites that focus on including Design Thinking and Making into the Humanities.

Elementary

Middle School

High School