At Home Resources
Design Squad Maker
An Engineering Design Program in Partnership with WGBH Boston
Welcome to Design Squad Maker – a program that introduces children and their caregivers to the engineering design process in museums, maker spaces, and at home. Together, families can brainstorm ways to solve real world problems and create their own solutions all while following the steps in the design process – just like real engineers!
You’re probably wondering what the “design process” is, and how you can use it at home. Scroll down to the “Get Ready to Make!” section to learn about the steps of the design process and find out what materials and space you need for these activities.
Even though NYSCI’s doors are closed for now, you can still be a maker in your own “maker space” at home. We’re proud to be able to share these free, online activities with you and your family.
Get Ready To Make
There are a few things you need to do before you can start making. First, take a look at the Design Process Poster to learn about the steps in the design process. Then open Get Ready! so you can find space and materials around your house that you can use.
Let’s Make Something
Awesome! You’ve found some space and materials–you’re ready to start making! Open Let’s Make Something! and choose a few activities to do.
Support Your Child
There are many ways you can support your child with the design process, even if you aren’t a scientist or engineer. Read Tips for Caregivers to learn about the benefits of engineering design, talking points that you can use with your child, and ways to get the whole family involved.
Blog Post 'What is the "Design Process", and Why Should I Learn It?' →
See What Other Kids Are Making
Get inspired! Check out the photo gallery below to see the types of things kids have made at NYSCI. You can also watch a couple of videos, using the links below, that show how kids are using the design process to solve real problems at home and at school. (The below links will direct you off of NYSCI.org).
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These resources are part of the Design Squad Maker project, an ongoing partnership between WGBH Boston and NYSCI. The two institutions are working together to create resources that help children and their caregivers work on hands-on design projects in museums, maker spaces, and at home.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1811457. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
