Junior Designers: Elementary Design Education Curriculum

Abstract

Design thinking is recognized as an essential skill in the current job market, regardless of the employment role. Industries desire individuals who can make timely decisions and generate innovative ideas to resolve existing and new issues in the workplace. Nevertheless, there needs to be more attention regarding K-5 design education. Students are commonly exposed to design education later in their educational careers. There are numerous design resources for high school and higher education students. Typically at that point in a student’s academic journey, they have been given formulas for solutions rather than the opportunity to think outside the box.

As part of the design education process, students learn to apply practical methods, prior knowledge, and natural talent to solve new problems. Exposing elementary students to design education can give students the academic and professional advantages needed to succeed. The Junior Designers curriculum will teach students how to find solutions using critical thinking, communication, time management, and teamwork.