MYP Design Subject Overview In the prequel to this follow-up post, I began to reflect on my first experiences in MYP Design with Year 1 students (grade six). I chose this topic because I thought that the information would be helpful for MYP Design teachers–especially those new to MYP like I was. Also, if you teach STEM/STEAM, I believe there …
Water Tank Engineering with Newspaper, Part 1
MYP Design Cycle – Getting Started In July 2015, I introduced my sixth-grade students to their first design unit: engineering a water tank from newspaper. Middle school design teachers and colleagues Jessie M. and Angie U. created the first version of the unit. This hands-on challenge served as an engaging introduction to the MYP Design Cycle and emphasized problem-solving through …
Effective Habits of Learning
Habits of Learning (HoLs) are essential for students as they progress through their academic journeys. These customs and routines encompass a wide range of behaviors and practices that support students in their academic pursuits and challenge them in all aspects of life. While some schools may refer to this area as “citizenship,” Robert Marzano, in his book Transforming Classroom Grading …
MYP Design Basics – One Perspective
What is MYP Design? If you are new to MYP Design and possibly coming from a more traditional educational system, some of the nomenclature may be worth a quick review. This post will cover some of the MYP Design basics. The term “MYP” means Middle Years Program and serves students from ages 11 to 16. It spans both middle and …
Paper Airplane Design, Data, and Discovery
Paper Airplane Introduction This short lesson was created to provide grade 6 students with a brief introduction to the design cycle. The ideas here can be used for a paper airplane science fair project. The goal of the lesson was to create a paper airplane that would fly as straight and as far as possible. Basically, students investigated how to …
MYP Design Assessment Criteria Modified
Why modify the original MYP Design Assessment Criteria? You may be like some schools that are moving away from the MYP. Your school may be headed towards a more standards-driven curriculum of instruction and assessment. If so, you have an opportunity to keep what works and improve what may not in terms of student understanding and achievement. For example, design …
Design Sketch Checklist
What Is a Design Sketch Checklist? A design sketch checklist helps students organize and improve their drawings of objects, scenes, or products. It’s like a set of rules or reminders that guide students to make their ideas clearer, neater, and easier to understand. Why Use a Sketching Checklist in MYP Design? In the MYP Design class, students must visually represent …