Before the pandemic have changes the students’mode of learning last 2019, International Indian School- Abu Dhabi has started new initiatives to let the students explore and develop their talents and potential. One of the programs is the Science and Innovation Program. Its main goal is to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) education among the High Achiever students of International Indian School Primary and Middle School Department. It provides hands-on experience to the students and differentiated teaching strategies to enhance their creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills. Through the few weeks of the program, it focuses on brain simulation which includes challenges such as solving real world problems. Most common problems have been presented to them and they picked a problem which is actually very close to their hearts–the armchair problem. The challenge was to design an armchair that would give a comfortable experience and maximize students’ learning and convenience in studying. This is where innovation comes in, an output from the solution that’s been proposed and in the process of which we come up with solutions is what we call design thinking. According to an educational blogger, John Spencer, design thinking is a flexible process for getting the most out of the creative process. When students use design thinking, they are more likely to develop a maker mind set. Coe Letta Stafford, Managing Director of IDEO U, also stated that design thinking is all about human-centered solutions. The students took the challenge and were able to provide solutions. Three of the best ideas are 1.) an armchair that includes a USB Port for charging tablets and pocket cases which could hold stationaries and pens. 2.) an armchair where you can adjust and slide the arm depending on the activities that you’re having and 3.) an armchair with built-in sharpeners and lockers under the seat so that you can put your books and important things under it. Most of these ideas are from Grade 2 and Grade 6 students.

- Charlene Mae Sta Teresa

Robotics Teacher of International Indian School – Abu Dhabi