“School Innovation Station” – Teacher Guide
Activity Overview
Grades: 6-8
Estimated activity time: ~40 minutes
Supplies needed: Worksheet, writing utensil, colored pencils
This activity engages students in real-world problem solving while helping them practice translating their ideas into clear, written communication. It focuses on the first three steps of the design process, defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, and designing a solution, providing a structured yet creative experience that develops both critical thinking and communication skills.
Lesson Goals
- Students will identify real-world problems that need solutions.
- Students will practice communicating their ideas in clear written and spoken form.
- Students will apply the first three steps of the engineering design process: define the problem, brainstorm solutions, and design a solution.
Activity Presentation
Activity Example
Standard Alignment
NGSS Standards
| Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science | |||
| MS-ETS1-1 | MS-ETS1-2 | MS-ETS1-3 | MS-ETS1-4 |
| ☑ | ☑ | ☑ | ☑ |
It aligns with MS-ETS1-2 and MS-ETS1-3 by engaging students in brainstorming multiple solutions and sharing designs with peers, introducing evaluation and comparison of ideas.
It addresses MS-ETS1-4 as students create initial models of their solutions through drawings and written plans, practicing iterative design thinking.
Middle School Language Arts / Communication Skills
- Students practice informative/explanatory writing by clearly describing problems and proposed solutions.
- Students engage in collaborative discussion, sharing ideas and providing feedback to peers.
- Students develop critical thinking and communication skills, translating their ideas into coherent written and spoken form.
MyStemLabs 