Design Thinking and Common Core in the Art Room

Alison Crane, a middle school teacher in Overland Park Kansas discussed ways that ELA and Math standards connect naturally to the design process for all ages. The design process helps students to work collaboratively and efficiently to conquer performance tasks that better the school. ELA standards address collaborating, demonstrating independence, building on the ideas of others, evaluating a point of view, constructing arguments, and presenting information clearly in written form. Math standards address making sense of problems, precision, measurements, and reasoning abstractly.

Students used the design process model of discovery, interpretation, ideation, experimentation, and evolution.

Alison's students were given the task to change the styrofoam trays used during lunch into something better for the students and the environment. Performance tasks of this type increase independence and confidence in the art room while engaging in problem solving in an interdisciplinary way.

Teachers can ask students what art skills can be used to benefit the school? How can art benefit others? Students can vote on ideas and then defend them with clear arguments.