District News

A back-to-school tradition or rite of passage for many, is selecting a new backpack at the start of the year…or dusting off an old faithful, excited for the prospect of what lies ahead. For almost a decade, 3rd graders at Bedwell Elementary School have been taking it a step further when it comes to their backpack quest. Beginning mid-fall, Tech & Design teacher, Allen Thurlow, kicked off a design unit with a discussion that garnered a lot of feedback, as students were asked what they like, dislike and would want to improve on their own backpacks. Answers ranged from basic elements such as color schemes and patterns, to the more critical concepts of function and special features.

The students watched a video from well-known backpack brand, Columbia. In the video, backpack designer, Chris Araujo, explained the entire process of backpack development from start to finish, and then Bedwell students teamed up to get to work. In addition to collaboration, cooperation, and problem-solving, their major goals were functionality and, as one can imagine, to have a cool design. After sketching a variety of proposals, students used items such as cardboard, bubble wrap, old fabric, duct tape and more to create their backpacks. Then they tested their prototypes, continuing to alter and adjust in order to see their vision through to completion. Each backpack had to hold books and a full water bottle, as well as have extra space for folders. 

While their final backpacks were the highlight for many, some children were most excited about creating a logo for their backpack business; in some cases students even used 3-D printing to elevate and bring their ideas to life! One group 3-D printed clips to adjust the size of their backpack strips, while another affixed  their old bicycle training wheels to help it roll! One group also came up with the creative idea to add a LEGO building plate to the side of the bag. The creativity throughout each design was evident! 

While clearly fun and engaging, the unit had important lesson objectives each week that included utilizing the design process, applying math skills, working as a team, compromising and sharing ideas, using recyclable materials, creating something functional, and honing their speaking and presentation skills.

At the end of the unit, the teams were allotted two minutes to pitch their ideas in a commercial-like format which allowed all students the opportunity to organize their thoughts and make it exciting, while focusing on why their backpack was unique. 

Thurlow commented that year after year he sees growth in his students through this experience, and always shares a quote from Araujo that resonates, “If you have a pen and a napkin and a good idea, you can design anything!” Very true.