App-Based Solutions: Tackling Real-World Problems
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an app to address a real-world problem that we believe is important to solve, and how can we measure its impact?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can technology be used to address real-world problems?
- What makes a problem important to solve?
- How do you design an app to solve a specific problem?
- What steps are involved in creating a successful app?
- How can we measure the impact of our app on the problem it addresses?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will identify and research a real-world problem they are passionate about.
- Students will design an app to address the chosen real-world problem.
- Students will develop a plan to measure the impact of their app.
- Students will apply problem-solving skills to create a functional app prototype.
- Students will present their app and its potential impact to an audience.
- Students will learn about the app development process.
- Students will understand how technology can be used to address societal issues.
- Students will learn effective project management and teamwork skills.
- Students will learn how to write code to address a real-world problem
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsUrgent Appeal from the Future
The class receives an urgent video message from a fictional character (e.g., a mayor, a scientist, a community leader) describing a pressing local problem and appealing for help. Students are challenged to brainstorm potential tech-based solutions, leading them to the idea of developing an app to address the issue and assist the character.The Problem Pitch Competition
Conduct a 'Problem Pitch' competition where students present real-world problems they've observed in their community, school, or world. The class votes on the most compelling and solvable problem, which then becomes the focus of the app development project, ensuring student buy-in and relevance.'Shark Tank' App Analysis
Simulate a 'Shark Tank' scenario where students present existing apps designed to solve real-world problems. Students analyze the apps' strengths and weaknesses, identify unmet needs, and then brainstorm how they could create a better, more innovative app to address a similar or related problem.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Problem Identification & Initial Research
Students brainstorm and select a real-world problem that resonates with them. They conduct initial research to understand the problem's scope, impact, and existing solutions.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 problem statement with initial research findings.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will identify and research a real-world problem they are passionate about.App Design & Wireframing
Students design a user-friendly app to solve the identified problem. They'll create wireframes and mockups, detailing the app's features and 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 activityApp design mockups and a user interface (UI) wireframe.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will design an app to address the chosen real-world problem; Students will apply problem-solving skills to create a functional app prototype.App Prototype Development
Students develop a functional prototype of the app, using coding or no-code tools. They'll implement key features and conduct user testing to refine the app.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 functional app prototype.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will learn how to write code to address a real-world problem; Students will apply problem-solving skills to create a functional app prototype.App Presentation & Showcase
Students prepare a presentation to showcase their app, its features, and its potential impact.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 to showcase app.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Students will present their app and its potential impact to an audience; Students will learn effective project management and teamwork skills.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioReal-World Problem Solving App Rubric
Problem Identification & Research
Assesses the students ability to identify a relevant real-world problem and conduct initial research to understand its scope and impact.Problem Understanding
The depth and breadth of the problem's exploration, considering its social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional understanding of the problem, its root causes, and its broad impact. Presents compelling evidence from diverse sources.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the problem, its causes, and its impact. Presents clear evidence from credible sources.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the problem, its causes, and its impact. Presents some evidence, but may lack depth or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a limited understanding of the problem and its impact. Presents minimal or irrelevant evidence.
Research Quality
The quality and relevance of research conducted to understand the problem's context and potential solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts in-depth research using a variety of credible sources. Synthesizes information effectively to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research using credible sources. Provides a clear understanding of the problem.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research using limited sources. Shows some understanding of the problem, but lacks depth.
Beginning
1 PointsConducts minimal research with unreliable sources. Demonstrates limited understanding of the problem.
Problem Statement Clarity
The clarity and focus of the problem statement, effectively capturing the core issue being addressed.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a compelling and concise problem statement that clearly articulates the core issue and its significance.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a clear and focused problem statement that articulates the core issue.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a problem statement that identifies the issue, but lacks clarity or focus.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define a clear problem statement.
App Design & Wireframing
Evaluates the students ability to design a user-friendly app, create wireframes and mockups, detailing the apps features and functionality.Solution Design
The creativity and feasibility of the app design in addressing the identified problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns an innovative and highly feasible app solution that effectively addresses the problem. Demonstrates a deep understanding of user needs and technological possibilities.
Proficient
3 PointsDesigns a practical and feasible app solution that effectively addresses the problem. Demonstrates a good understanding of user needs.
Developing
2 PointsDesigns an app solution that attempts to address the problem, but may lack feasibility or practicality.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to design an app solution that effectively addresses the problem.
User Flow Diagram
The clarity and completeness of the user flow diagram, illustrating the app's functionality.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a comprehensive and intuitive user flow diagram that clearly illustrates the app's functionality and user experience.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates a clear and complete user flow diagram that illustrates the app's functionality.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a user flow diagram that shows some of the app's functionality, but may be incomplete or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a user flow diagram.
Wireframing & Mockups
The quality and usability of the app's wireframes and visual mockups.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns high-quality wireframes and visually appealing mockups that effectively communicate the app's user interface and functionality.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops functional wireframes and visual mockups that communicate the app's user interface.
Developing
2 PointsCreates wireframes and mockups, but they may lack detail or usability.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create wireframes and mockups.
App Prototype Development
Focuses on the students ability to develop a functional prototype of the app, using coding or no-code tools, implement key features, and conduct user testing to refine the app.App Functionality
The functionality and stability of the app prototype.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops a highly functional and stable app prototype that effectively implements core features and provides a seamless user experience.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a functional app prototype that implements core features.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops an app prototype with some functionality, but may have bugs or stability issues.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop a functional app prototype.
Code/No-Code Quality
The quality of the code or no-code implementation, demonstrating sound coding practices or effective use of no-code tools.
Exemplary
4 PointsImplements clean, well-documented code or utilizes no-code tools effectively to create a robust and maintainable app prototype.
Proficient
3 PointsImplements code or utilizes no-code tools to create a functional app prototype.
Developing
2 PointsImplements code or utilizes no-code tools, but the code may be messy or the implementation may be inefficient.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to implement code or utilize no-code tools.
User Feedback Integration
The effectiveness of user testing and the incorporation of feedback into the app prototype.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough user testing, gathers valuable feedback, and effectively incorporates the feedback to refine the app and improve the user experience.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts user testing and incorporates feedback to refine the app.
Developing
2 PointsConducts limited user testing and incorporates some feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to conduct user testing or incorporate feedback.
App Presentation & Showcase
Focuses on assessing the students ability to prepare a presentation to showcase their app, its features, and its potential impact.Presentation Outline
The clarity and organization of the presentation outline, demonstrating a logical flow of information.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops a highly organized and compelling presentation outline that clearly articulates the problem, solution, app features, and impact measurement plan.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a clear and organized presentation outline that covers the problem, solution, app features, and impact measurement plan.
Developing
2 PointsCreates a presentation outline, but it may lack organization or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create a presentation outline.
Slide Design
The visual appeal and effectiveness of the presentation slides in communicating key information.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns visually stunning and highly effective slides that clearly communicate key information and engage the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsDesigns visually appealing slides with relevant images and data.
Developing
2 PointsCreates slides with some visual elements, but they may lack appeal or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to create visually appealing slides.
Presentation Delivery
The delivery and overall quality of the app presentation, including the team's ability to answer questions effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a captivating and informative presentation with confidence and poise. Answers questions thoughtfully and demonstrates a deep understanding of the app and its potential impact.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents the app effectively and answers questions clearly.
Developing
2 PointsPresents the app, but may lack confidence or clarity in answering questions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present the app or answer questions effectively.