Grade 6 · Grade 6: The Design Cycle · Spotting Problems Worth Solving
Spotting Problems Worth Solving
Observing everyday problems at school and turning them into a clear need for a solution.
Learning objectives
- Use design terminology to explain spotting problems worth solving within the MYP design cycle.
- Apply the design cycle to this context: observing everyday problems at school and turning them into a clear need for a solution.
- Test the solution against success criteria and explain one justified improvement.
NGSS alignment
DSN.6.D4
Design detailed testing methods, evaluate the solution against the specification, explain improvements and describe the impact on the client or audience. At Grade 6 the cycle is guided, with short steps and a teacher-provided context.
DSN.6.D1
Investigate a real problem, gather relevant primary and secondary research, analyse existing products and write a justified design brief. At Grade 6 the cycle is guided, with short steps and a teacher-provided context.
DSN.6.D3
Construct a logical making plan, use technical skills safely and accurately, document changes and present the solution as a whole. At Grade 6 the cycle is guided, with short steps and a teacher-provided context.
DSN.6.D2
Write a testable design specification, generate and present a range of feasible ideas, justify the chosen design and produce accurate planning drawings. At Grade 6 the cycle is guided, with short steps and a teacher-provided context.
MYP criteria
- Criterion A — Inquiring and analysing
- Criterion B — Developing ideas
- Criterion C — Creating the solution
- Criterion D — Evaluating
ENGAGE
Inquiring and analysing
Start from the real situation: Observing everyday problems at school and turning them into a clear need for a solution. Record what you notice, who the user is and what evidence you still need, then write the need for a solution in one sentence.
Think about it
Who is this solution for, and how will you know it actually works for them?
Hint: Separate what you observed from what you assumed, and name your sources.
EXPLAIN
Developing ideas
The MYP design cycle has four stages: inquiring and analysing, developing ideas, creating the solution, and evaluating. Each stage leaves evidence in your process journal.
From research to specification
- Turn research findings into success criteria that can be measured or tested.
- Sketch or model several feasible ideas instead of committing to the first one.
- Justify the chosen idea against the specification, not by preference.
- Produce planning drawings, diagrams or flowcharts another person could follow.
Design in context
Consider Qatar's climate, materials, languages and community when you design. Respect privacy, permission and copyright whenever you use images, data or other people's work.
INVESTIGATION
Creating the solution
Plan a logical making sequence with time and resources, then build your prototype. Photograph each stage, record every change you make and explain why you made it.
REFLECT
Evaluating
Design a test for each success criterion, run it and record the results. Judge honestly whether the solution succeeded, explain one improvement and describe the impact on the client or target audience.
Interactive practice · organizer
Design cycle organizer
Complete each stage of the design cycle before you write your evaluation.
Need
The need for a solution, in one sentence, with evidence
Plan
Making plan with steps, time and resources
Ideas
Two or more feasible ideas, and why you chose one
Testing
Test method and result for each criterion
Research
Primary and secondary research, with sources
Improvement
One justified improvement and its impact
Specification
Three to five testable success criteria
Your answer
This draft stays in this tab only. Copy anything you want to keep into your learning log below.
Key vocabulary
- Design brief
- A short statement of the problem, the user and what the solution has to do.
- Design specification
- The testable success criteria a solution must meet.
- Iteration
- Improving a design by testing it, learning from the result and changing it.
MYP criterion tasks
Level 2 · Criterion D
Explain how your solution for "Spotting Problems Worth Solving" meets its design specification, then evaluate one limitation using evidence from your testing.
Reflect & track
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