Lesson 2: Ideation & Collaborative Brainstorming
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
SWBAT:
Utilize "SCAMPER" or "Brain-writing" techniques to generate at least 5 unique design solutions.
Evaluate peer ideas using a "Decision Matrix" to select the most viable design.
Why is it dangerous to fall in love with your first design idea?
How does a team decide which idea is "the best" without it becoming a popularity contest?
Ideation, Brainstorming, SCAMPER, Decision Matrix, Viability, Prototype.
CT-CTE.EDP.A.02 (Research and brainstorm); CT-CTE.EDP.B.07 (Work collaboratively).
DOK Level: 3 (Strategic Thinking)
Students engage in formalized brainstorming. The purpose is to generate multiple solutions for a vehicle subsystem (e.g., a more aerodynamic nose cone) before settling on one path.
Misconception: "Brainstorming is just talking."
Correction: Effective brainstorming requires capturing every idea visually and withholding judgment until the evaluation phase.
Support: Use "Sketch-noting" for students who prefer drawing their ideas over writing them.
Extension: Lead a "Red Team" session where students try to find flaws in their own favorite designs.
The Design Matrix: A completed grid comparing three different ideas against four constraints (Cost, Weight, Difficulty, Performance).