AI-Powered Product Design Challenge for Young Innovators
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use AI and design thinking to improve a product we use every day, and what materials and methods can we employ to create, test, and refine our prototype?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is AI and how does it affect our daily lives?
- How can we use design thinking to improve a product we use every day?
- What materials and methods can we use to create a prototype of a product?
- How can we test a prototype to see how well it works?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the basic concepts of AI and its impact on daily life.
- Apply design thinking to identify potential improvements to an everyday product.
- Learn to develop a prototype of a product implementing suggested improvements using AI.
- Utilize basic data analysis to collect and interpret data for product improvement.
- Communicate the design process and the role of AI through various mediums such as animations or models.
Common Core Standards
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsFuture Designers' Press Conference
Kick off the project with a mock press conference where each student has been 'invited' as a future designer. They receive a 'breaking news alert' about an AI that can transform everyday products and are prompted to ask questions about how they might utilize AI for their favorite objects.AI Discovery Mystery Box
Present a mystery box filled with several everyday items and a note claiming that an AI-enhanced upgrade is hidden within. Students are tasked to identify and discuss potential AI improvements for the objects, triggering exploratory questions on technology's role in daily life.Product Design Adventure Quest
Begin with a role-play adventure, where students are explorers in a futuristic lab, each tasked with transforming a commonplace item using AI. Guided by 'future AI insights,' they embark on a journey filled with design challenges that unlock new tools and ideas.AI-Enhanced Storytelling Session
Start with an interactive storytelling session where an AI character describes an imaginative world where design knows no limits. Students are encouraged to brainstorm how their favorite storybooks or movies could be brought to life with AI-enhanced products, planting seeds for their own creations.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Prototyping and Testing Quest
In this activity, students will build a basic prototype of their improved product and test its functionality.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA basic prototype of the improved product along with recorded test data and analysis.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with standard 3-5-ETS1-3 by involving students in testing prototypes, controlling variables, and using data to make improvements.AI Enhanced Product Showcase
Students will create a presentation or model to communicate the design process and the role of AI in their product's improvement, culminating in a class showcase event.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or model explaining the design process and role of AI in product improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with standard RI.3.3 by requiring students to describe the sequence of their design process and the role of AI using time, sequence, and cause/effect language.Design Thinking Blueprint
Students will apply design thinking to identify potential improvements for an everyday product. They will document their ideas through brainstorming and planning stages.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint or sketch of an enhanced product using AI.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the standard ETS1-3 by encouraging students to plan and identify potential features of a product that can be improved.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAI Design & Prototyping Assessment Rubric
Understanding of AI Concepts
Evaluate students' comprehension of AI's role and impact on product design and daily life applications.Conceptual Clarity
Assesses student's understanding of AI and its potential applications in product design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an insightful and detailed understanding of AI concepts, with innovative connections to product design applications.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a solid understanding of AI concepts and can effectively connect them to product design applications.
Developing
2 PointsShows a basic understanding of AI concepts with some connections to product design, though somewhat vague or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal understanding of AI concepts; struggles to connect theoretical ideas to practical products.
Design Thinking Application
Measures the ability to use design thinking to identify and plan improvements for the selected product.
Exemplary
4 PointsApplies design thinking creatively and systematically to identify innovative and feasible product improvements.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively uses design thinking to plan practicable product improvements.
Developing
2 PointsMakes some use of design thinking, with partially developed improvements.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited use of design thinking; struggles to propose viable improvements.
Prototype Development and Testing
Assesses the process of creating, testing, and analyzing a prototype of the improved product.Prototype Construction
Evaluates the creativity and functionality of the prototype built by students.
Exemplary
4 PointsConstructs a highly creative, functional prototype that incorporates innovative design elements.
Proficient
3 PointsBuilds a well-constructed and functional prototype reflecting thoughtful design.
Developing
2 PointsProduces a partially functional prototype, with basic design elements.
Beginning
1 PointsCreates an incomplete or non-functional prototype; design lacks cohesion.
Testing and Data Analysis
Evaluates students' ability to conduct tests, gather data, and analyze results to improve their prototype.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough testing with comprehensive data analysis leading to insightful improvements.
Proficient
3 PointsPerforms effective testing with clear data analysis guiding reasonable improvements.
Developing
2 PointsEngages in basic testing with limited analysis leading to some improvements.
Beginning
1 PointsConducts minimal testing with little to no data analysis or improvements.
Communication and Presentation
Assesses the clarity and creativity of students' presentations or models showcasing their design process and AI role.Presentation Creativity and Clarity
Evaluates the ability to convey the design process and AI applications through effective use of visuals and/or models.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a highly engaging and clear presentation using creative visuals or models; effectively communicates the design process and AI's role.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and informative showcase using visuals or models; communicates the design process and AI's role well.
Developing
2 PointsOffers a basic presentation with visuals or models; communicates the design process with some clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an unclear presentation with limited or ineffective use of visuals; struggles to communicate the design process.
Collaboration and Reflection
Measures participation and reflection on the design process and collaborative efforts.Collaboration
Assesses student's ability to actively contribute and support peer's ideas within group settings.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits leadership and encourages constructive dialogue, significantly contributing to group efforts.
Proficient
3 PointsCollaboratively works with peers, contributing meaningfully to group tasks.
Developing
2 PointsSome participation in group activities; contributions are inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited participation and contribution to group efforts; relies heavily on others.
Reflection
Evaluates student's self-assessment of their learning process and outcomes utilizing growth mindset principles.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a thoughtful and detailed reflection with strategies for future improvement, showcasing a strong growth mindset.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a clear reflection with some insights into the learning process and growth opportunities.
Developing
2 PointsIncludes a basic reflection with limited insights into learning experiences.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers minimal reflection with little understanding of learning experiences or growth.