Explore Design Challenge Learning

Design Challenge Learning is a dynamic way for learners to become creative problem-solvers. It's the center of what we do at The Tech Interactive!

Innovation Design Process

Design challenges use real-world problems so that learners are invested in the outcome. It's iterative, which means learners are trained that failure is okay, and working to overcome it is where growth happens. It's also collaborative, which is key to future success.

Challenges fall into two categories:

Build-based, in which the solution is a physical device or structure. We emphasize everyday, recycled materials to increase accessibility for all learners.
Systems-based, where students grapple with a real-world problem that is part of a complex system. They examine the intricate parts of that problem as they design potential solutions.

These challenges are ideal for making content relevant through a student-centered approach. Design challenges can be made more simple or complex to meet the needs of all learners.

Tech Tips: Guides and Videos

Created by educators, these short guides are excellent references for anyone looking to incorporate Design Challenge Learning into a classroom or informal learning environment.

Tech Tips

Designing a Design Challenge
The essential elements and tools for creating your own design challenge.
Designing PDF Designing Template Video

Innovation Design Process
Learn about the power of the Innovation Design Process.
Innovation PDF Video Poster

Innovator Mindsets
Tools for fostering collaboration, perseverance, curiosity, empathy and boldness with engineering design.
Mindsets PDF Video

What is Engineering?
Where design and innovation meet.
Engineering PDF

Engineering Education Principles
Key principles for teaching engineering through design challenge learning in any setting.
Principles PDF

The Language of Engineering
Vocabulary that builds confidence in engineering.
Language PDF

Materials Strategies for Engineering Design
Managing low-cost, accessible materials for engineering design.
Materials PDF Video

Framing the Challenge
Essential elements to engage all learners in design challenges, including narratives, criteria and constraints.
Framing PDF Video

Brainstorming
Methods for inspiring innovation at the start of a challenge.
Brainstorming PDF Strategies PDF Video

Prototyping - Test, Reflect, Iterate
Encourage iteration and perseverance throughout the design process.
Prototyping PDF Video

Data Collection - Reflecting on your Design
Use quantitative and qualitative observations to refine designs.
Data PDF

Sharing Solutions
Create a classroom culture that supports communication, constructive feedback and iteration.
Sharing PDF Video

Assessment
Discover how to effectively evaluate skills like boldness, perseverance and collaboration.
Assessment PDF Video

Computational Thinking
Learn the four elements of computational thinking to solve problems big and small.
Computational PDF

Computer Programming
Practice and share the building blocks of computer programming -- no experience required!
Programming PDF

Eight Elements of STEM Preparation
Created by our STEM Pathways Steering Committee, this grade level resource guides the key skills and experiences critical to STEM careers.
Elements PDF

Systems Design Challenges
Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, this series of four videos provides an overview of systems design challenges and demonstrates how learners can develop the problem-solving skills to create change for global good.
Video Playlist

Design Challenges + Distance Learning

Distance learning and design challenges go hand in hand. Introduce the challenge, then students work offline (and away from the screen!), record their process and share artifacts asynchronously or via a group video call. Our educator guide has even more tips for student engagement.

With distance learning, parents are your teaching partners! Our parents guide and lessons on The Tech at Home and The Tech en Casa are great for continuing education at home. Orient yourself to Design Challenge Learning with our short online course or our webinars.

Educator Guides: Remote STEM Learning

Educators are teaching their students with varying access to technology, from almost none to full online platforms. We created these tools to assist educators in this new normal.

Our Educator Tips for Remote STEM Learning will help you to effectively present hands-on design challenges to your learners with no, some or full access to technology.

Ten Ways to Make Online Learning Work, written by our President and CEO Katrina Stevens and all the former Directors of the Office of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education, focuses on concrete ways to make online learning more accessible and equitable.

This NGSS Engineering Chart lays out the grade-level standards that engineering design challenges meet.

Watch our Unpacking Design Challenges video for a step-by-step guide to each element of Design Challenges.

Virtual Field Trips to The Tech Interactive

Visit The Tech Interactive online with these 25-minute Virtual Field Trips:

Tech for Tomorrow takes viewers on a roadtrip through Silicon Valley, introducing them to four innovators in robotics, AI, software and biotechnology. Find out how these professionals turned a love of STEM into careers!

The Tech for Global Good highlights our 2020 Laureates, four entrepreneurs who have dedicated themselves to using data technology to make their communities stronger, healthier and more just.

Both come with their own educator guide!

IMAX Educational Films

A selection of the educational documentaries from our IMAX Dome Theater can be streamed online. A guide for educators is included to get the most out of these compelling and beautiful films.

America's Musical Journey
A cross-country journey celebrating the unique diversity of America's musical heritage.
Available for streaming on: YouTube (free) (as well as Apple TV and GoUSA TV via Roku).
An educator guide is also available.
Cost: Free

Coral Reef Adventure
Two filmmakers travel the world documenting the planet's coral reefs and the creatures that call them home.
Available for streaming on: Amazon Prime
An educator guide is also available.
Cost: $3.99

Dream Big
This inspiring celebration of innovations big and small and the amazing engineers behind them will change how you think about engineering.
Available for streaming on: Vimeo on Demand
An educator guide and educational videos are also available.
Cost: $6.99

National Parks Adventure
The ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s untamed wilderness in places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and many more.
Available for streaming on: Vimeo on Demand
An educator guide and educational videos are also available.
Cost: $3.99