Design Process/Maker Terms

 K–3 Design Thinking: during the early grades, students work with others to form ideas based on a set of needs, create a project that mirrors their vision, and share it with others.  

4–5 Design Thinking: in these grades, groups brainstorm ideas to solve a challenge, creating a plan that includes tools and materials. They may make many versions, noting changes between models. In order to build their final product, teams must test their protypes, gathering feedback to make updates. Finally, they must determine how and who to share their product with.

6–9 Human Centred Design Thinking: based around a real issue or need, students will create their design while considering the end user or client. As they move through the stages of the design process, they must consider the needs of their client and how their product could affect the individual, community, or environment.

Tinkering – this is the hands on part of the design process. It could include making, testing, or upgrading a project. Tinkering does not need to have a purpose, sometimes it is a good way for students to discover how an item works or functions.

Thinkering – the chance to view what others are working on and making connections that will allow students to modify their own design.

Design Charrette – a class-wide showcase of all designs. One member is responsible for staying with their project to explain their ideas to others.

Makerspace – a place where many tools for creating are available, often found in the library/learning commons. These tools could be high tech, like 3D printers, robotics sets, and computers, or low tech, such as paper, paperclips, yarn, recycled materials, and more. Activities within the space may be self-guided or students may work to solve a problem. Most importantly, makers are always challenged to use their creativity during the design process.


I am very interested in having more makerspace materials in my library. The library is a great place to house this collection, as it is a centralized depository for these items and the librarian is able to purchase for the entire school's needs, instead of a single class. It is also a great way to involve literacy, as many books can inspire makers' challenges.

Works Cited

“Taking Making Into Classrooms.” British Columbia Ministry of Education.

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