Manufacturing Design Briefs for the Elementary Grades

The Design Briefs were created by undergraduate students taking ITDPT 364, Technology Education for the Elementary Grades. They tested each design brief by teaching the problem-solving activity to a group of their peers. The students then re-wrote the design briefs. A few other briefs are by technology education graduate students, and by experienced teachers pursuing a degree or certification for teaching MIMH students. Most of these design briefs have been tested with children. All are categorized according to the Technology Education Curriculum for the State of Indiana. Page last updated May 1, 2000.

Alistair's Time Machine

Alistair's time machine is a wonderfully illustrated book that grabs the students' attention. The hands-on activity involving time machines especially meets younger students' abilities to imagine and to role-play.

Recycle that paper!

What is the number one item found in a landfill? The answer is paper. Several years ago, no one would have asked that question, but today, in a time with increasing concerns with landfill space, there is an increased awareness that the way we live our lives has a serious affect on the environment. This activity describes a simple way to make paper.

Inventors and Inventions

When we look around our homes we find recyclable goods that might still have a use. These are resources that can be used to invent items that have another use. We help our environment by recycling resources. When people need things, someone designs or invents them and people benefit from the invention.

Pen House manufacturing unit

The children are to design and produce an innovative new design for pens. The new company Pen House is sponsoring the contest because they need fresh new ideas from their target market group. First place will receive an award to be presented in front of the entire school.

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