Chicken-Centered Design: Fourth Graders Experience Design Thinking in the Barnyard

• Published in: Science and children Vol. 59; no. 3; pp. 37 - 43
• Main Authors: Stout, Jody, Rouse, Rob, Malesic, Jonathan, Krummeck, Katie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Science Teaching Association 2022
• Subjects: 21st Century Skills; Animals; Critical Thinking; Design; Elementary School Students; Engineering Education; Grade 4; Problem Solving; Science Instruction; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 0036-8148

Design thinking--a human-centered approach to problem solving--is a process by which K-12 teachers engage students in solving relevant issues that occur in their schools. In this article, the authors describe a project in which fourth-graders used design thinking to solve an unexpected issue related to a much-anticipated class project. The project calls for fourth graders to create and run a business to sell the eggs produced by the school's flock of chickens, an endeavor that spans the course of the entire school year. This complex effort sets the stage for authentic learning experiences because students must take on leadership roles (e.g., president, vice-president), participate on committees to craft agendas and make schedules, and do the work of business owners (e.g., create egg-collection crews; care for chickens by giving them food and water; and collect, wash, package, and sell eggs). In a unique turn of events, students used the principles of design thinking to solve a chicken-related problem rather than a human-related problem. Participating in this process allowed students to think critically, build creative confidence, and engage in science and engineering learning.