aesthetics – Taking Making Resources

March 26, 2019

Design Challenge 30: Outdoor Learning Spaces

Students have limited opportunities to learn outdoors. For example, one school representative reported four picnic tables for 1,250 students. So when these students might have times during the day to enjoy the benefits obtained from learning outside, there were few places to sit or study or enjoy a conversation. While picnic tables have typically been used as outdoor furniture, they are not the most
flexible or comfortable form of seating. Also, they are not necessary ergonomically sound or easily moved! Over time, schools would like to increase outdoor learning opportunities by creating learning spaces that support learning, healthy lifestyles, and fitness.

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March 26, 2019

Design Challenge 29: Outdoor Classroom

What is an outdoor classroom? It is a gathering place for teachers and students to integrate nature into learning within the school grounds. It brings learning to life by situating formal learning within a school’s natural environment and giving students the opportunity to get outside and experience nature.

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March 26, 2019March 26, 2019

Design Challenge 15: Classroom Furniture

The classroom furniture may help or hinder collaborative learning. The ability to move furniture easily, quickly, and safety is important in classrooms wanting to create and support collaborative learning. When students are using digital technologies such as tablets or laptops, they need to be able to move around, connect to electricity, work in ever-changing groups, and use a variety of materials and resources. Also, recent studies suggest that sitting is the new smoking. From Smith Systems website: “movement can contribute to … concentration and is considered beneficial to
physical health”.

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March 25, 2019March 26, 2019

Design Challenge 2: Using Simple Machines to Make Overly Complex Compound Machines

Einstein is quoted as saying, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Simple machines are classic examples of what Einstein claims. They are classified in six types, and they can be found everywhere—often in some very surprising places and things. Simple machines offer mechanical advantages, which makes it easier to do work. The six simple machines are levers, inclined planes, wedges, screws, wheels and axles, and pullies.

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