1. Playground Design Process
Design and Modeling
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

2. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Students research, design and model a themed playground using the design process.

3. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Define the Problem
Discussion with community or elementary school Representative
Visit and “play” on an existing playground
Justify need for new or modified equipment or playground
Students will Define the problem by completing a Design Brief as a class. List the constraints presented by the teacher, the playground committee representative, and the constraints the student team decides to include. For example, a team (class) may decide the playground should have an African theme, Patriotic theme, Pirate theme, etc. or should be color-coded for age-appropriate play areas.

4. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Generate Concepts
Brainstorm ideas/themes
Interview kids who would use
Sketch your favorite piece of equipment
How would you innovate?
Sketch a new piece of equipment
Research
Safety
Size requirements
Materials
Placement
Durability
Students will Generate Concepts by brainstorming with their classmates as to how you can complete this problem given the resources and constraints. They will Research by taking a tour of an existing playground, online, or by asking elementary-aged students what types of playground equipment they like.

5. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Develop a Solution
Sketch in Engineering Notebook
Decision Matrix
3D CAD drawings using Inventor
Students will Develop A Solution by breaking into smaller groups. Each group will design and complete a specific part of the playground. Each student will sketch 3 thumbnail sketches that follow the criteria established by the class and follow the guidelines presented in the Engineering Notebook. Use a decision matrix to decide on the best solution for your teams playground equipment.
Students will use 3D modeling software, Inventor, to create computer models.

6. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Construct and Test Prototype
Students will Construct a scaled prototype of the playground equipment using recycled materials or supplies provided by your teacher.

7. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Evaluate Solution
Children interest – fun factor
Safety features
Material usage
Students will continually test and evaluate design solutions as they model and prototype. Have elementary-aged students look at designs and give input on how they may want that piece of equipment to look, act, or work.

8. Design and Modeling – Playground Problem
Present Solution
Students will Present their Solution to the playground committee representatives who come and listen to their presentation. All students should be involved in the presentation, some speaking, some helping with technology, and some helping with room organization. All students should be available during a question and answer time following the presentation. The following information should be included in their presentation:
Explain the problem.
Review the constraints.
Explain the research that was conducted.
Show and explain initial design sketches.
Explain why an idea was chosen to pursue or why it wasn’t pursued.
Show and explain working drawings of 3D Computer model.
Show and explain your prototype.
Explain the method of testing and evaluating the models.
Explain changes made to initial CAD drawings and why these changes were made.