On the first day of school, grade 6 students were given 20 minutes and asked to come up with innovative design solutions to improve the design or functioning of a reusable water bottle. Here are some of their ideas. What are your ideas? Please take a moment and share your ideas about improving a water bottle.
All of those thoughts are good and hope they turn real
We forget sometimes that students do not already know what has been invented. We assume they know. I had a couple of students come up with the idea of a camel back without the slightest idea it has been invented! Students really are creative and imaginative learners.
I did the water bottle activity with my classes and it has really been the “anchor” in many conversations I am having in class. I keep referencing the strategy as we face problems that are not familiar.
“What do you know? ” “What do you wonder?” “What bothers you?”
It really helps with the “learned helplessness” and helps the students open their minds.