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

Authors: Jody Stout, Rob Rouse, Jonathan Malesic, Katie Krummeck

Article $2022$

in Science and Children v$59$ n$3($Jan$-$Feb $2022)$: $37-43$

Peer$-$reviewed

Summary: 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 schooltyear. 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.