Design Thinking: Reviewing Design Thinking Materials
Design thinking is a powerful process that encourages students to create and innovate. Prototyping and testing are crucial steps in the design thinking process, and the use of a diverse set of materials is vital to their success. Teachers have many materials options for prototyping and testing, and each material has unique advantages and disadvantages, so we’re reviewing design thinking materials. We’ll begin with the limited set of materials we use across all our K-5 modules before sharing more ideas that could work in your classroom if you decide to create your own design thinking challenge. A warning: many of those materials may be difficult to procure, require additional instruction, produce more mess, or simply prove too difficult to use for some elementary students.
Our Recommended Materials
Bendy straws can create prototypes of moving parts, such as hinges or joints. They are flexible, easy to manipulate, and you can cut them to different lengths. Students can use bendy straws to create prototypes of robots, mechanical animals, or other moving structures. Bendy straws are suitable for students in grades K-5, although younger students may need help in cutting or manipulating them.
Bobbins typically hold thread for sewing machines. However, you can also use them as versatile materials for design thinking. Since bobbins are lightweight and have a cylindrical shape, you can use them to create structures, wheels, and other components in prototypes. Students can also use bobbins as a base to build on, attaching other materials to them with tape, glue, or string. We recommend them for grades 2-5, you can find bobbins at craft and fabric stores, or teachers can ask for donations from parents or local businesses that use sewing machines.
Cardboard is another popular choice for prototyping and testing. It is easy to find, inexpensive, and you can cut it into various shapes and sizes. Cardboard is ideal for creating larger-scale prototypes and models. This material is suitable for students in all grades, but younger students may require more assistance when using it. The main challenge with cardboard is its durability. The material is not suitable for long-term testing or heavy use.
Cardboard tubes, such as those from toilet paper and paper towel rolls, are a great material for creating 3D models and structures. They are lightweight, easy to cut, and you can easily combine them with other materials. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can crush easily. We recommend cardboard tubes for students in grades 3-5.
Construction paper is one of the most versatile materials for prototyping and testing. It is easy to use, inexpensive, and readily available. Students can use construction paper to create 2D and 3D prototypes. We recommend this material students in grades K-3, but upper grade students can also use it for more complex projects. The main challenge with construction paper is its durability. We do not recommend this material for heavy use or long-term testing.
Craft sticks are a versatile material that can create a wide range of designs, including bridges, towers, and even catapults. They are inexpensive and easily available, making them ideal for use in elementary classrooms. You can introduce craft sticks to students as early as first grade.
Dixie cups can help with building towers, making small structures, or creating containers. They are affordable, easily available, and versatile. You can use Dixie cups for prototyping and testing designs, and their small size makes them ideal for younger students in grades K-2. However, older students in grades 3-5 may find the cups too small for some design challenges.
Marbles can test mazes, obstacle courses, and other games that involve problem-solving and critical thinking. You can use them as weights or rolling components in prototypes, or as a tool for testing designs with inclines and curves. We recommend them for grades K-5, and you can purchase marbles at toy stores or online. Teachers can even ask for donations from parents or local businesses that sell toys. It’s important to remind students to handle marbles with care, as they can be fragile and pose a choking hazard for younger children.
Masking tape is a versatile material that can connect materials, create structures, or hold prototypes together. It’s affordable, easy to use, and you can remove it without leaving a residue. It is suitable for students in grades K-5, although younger students may need help in cutting or tearing the tape.
Ping pong balls can help with prototypes that require rolling or bouncing objects. They are lightweight and easy to manipulate. Students can use ping pong balls as balls or other rolling structures. They are suitable for students in grades K-5, although younger students may need help manipulating the balls.
Scissors are an essential tool for cutting materials, such as paper and cardboard. You can be use them to create precise shapes and figures, and are important for the design process. However, you must supervise students when using scissors, and may need instruction on how to use them safely. We recommend scissors for 2-5 students.
Wooden skewers can create prototypes of structures that require a solid frame. They are sturdy, easy to cut, and you can be use them to create a variety of different shapes and forms. Students can use wooden skewers to create prototypes of buildings, bridges, or other structures. Wooden skewers are suitable for students in grades 3-5, although younger students may need help in cutting or manipulating the skewers.
More Materials Ideas for Teachers
Digital tools and software can create 3D designs, simulations, and animations. These materials are useful for students who are interested in computer science and engineering. Digital tools and software become more relevant in the upper grades.
Egg cartons are a versatile material that can create a range of designs, from simple structures to complex machines. They are lightweight, easy to cut, and you can easily combine them with other materials. However, they may not be as durable as other materials and can crush easily. We recommend egg cartons for 3-5 students.
Fabrics are flexible materials that can create clothing, accessories, and other decorative designs. You can also use them to create functional objects like tents or backpacks. You can introduce fabrics to students as early as Kindergarten, but their use becomes more complex in the upper grades.
Glue is a versatile material that can attach different materials together, such as paper, cardboard, and fabric. It’s important for creating sturdy models and structures, but you may need to teach students how to use it properly and safely. We recommend glue for students in grades 2-5.
LED lights, batteries, and conductive tape can help in making simple circuits and can be used to create interactive designs that light up or make sounds. You can use LED lights and batteries with students as early as first grade, while conductive tape becomes more useful in the upper grades.
LEGO bricks are another popular choice for prototyping and testing. They are versatile, easy to manipulate, and come in various shapes and sizes. LEGO bricks are ideal for creating 3D prototypes and models. We recommend them for students in grades 2-5, as younger students can struggle to manipulate this material. The main challenge with LEGO bricks is their cost. LEGO bricks can be expensive, which may limit their use in some classrooms.
Metal wire is a flexible material that can create sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative designs. You can also use it to create frames or support structures for other designs. You can introduce metal wire to students as early as third grade.
Motors, gears, and pulleys are mechanical components that can create moving parts in designs. They are useful for creating machines, robots, and other complex designs. These materials become more relevant in the upper grades.
Natural building materials, such as sticks, leaves, and flowers, are a great way to encourage creativity and innovation in design thinking. Students can use these materials to create natural designs and structures, and they can learn about the environment in the process. However, you may need to remind students to collect only fallen materials, and to be careful not to damage the environment. We recommend natural materials for K-3 students.
Pipe cleaners are bendable and come in a range of colors, making them great for creating 3D models and structures. They are easy to manipulate, and students can easily create shapes and figures with them. However, they can be flimsy and may not hold up to heavy use. We recommend pipe cleaners for students in grades K-2.
Plastic bottles can create a variety of designs, from simple structures to more complex machines. You can cut them, mold them, and glue them together, and they are relatively easy to find and obtain. However, they can be difficult to cut and may require specialized tools, and you should remind students to recycle them after use. We recommend plastic bottles for students in grades 4-5.
Play dough is a pliable and moldable material that is great for creating 3D models of designs. It is easy to shape, non-toxic, and comes in a variety of colors. However, it can dry out quickly, and you may need to remind students to keep it clean and not mix it with other materials. We recommend play dough for students in grades K-2.
Rulers are a useful tool for measuring and creating precise designs. You can use them for designing buildings, bridges, or other structures that require precision. You can introduce rulers to students as early as Kindergarten, but upper grades can use them in a more sophisticated way.
Wood is a versatile material that can create furniture, buildings, and other functional objects. It is useful for teaching students about sustainability and woodworking techniques. You can introduce woodworking to students as early as third grade.
In Conclusion
The materials used for prototyping and testing in design thinking play a crucial role in the success of the process. Teachers must consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material and choose the most suitable option for their students. With the right materials, students can develop their creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while having fun in the process.
If you found this content helpful, you might enjoy this series of Imagineerz blog posts and check out Get Started with Design Thinking!
