University of California, Berkeley (Lawrence Hall of Science)

Log Number: MA-10-13-0092-13

Building on early childhood research, the Lawrence Hall of Science will develop activities to engage children ages 4-7 in "design thinking." Engineering design activities use hands-on learning to promote design thinking and 21st century skills. The project will incorporate the new activities into existing programs and train staff and volunteer educators in effective strategies to engage families and young children. The project will result in several products to be disseminated to the field, including a research-based effective practices framework for developing design experiences for young children in museums; a set of engineering design activities for early learners; a facilitator professional development program; and research and evaluation reports. Design Thinking through Play will contribute to the research and evidence base regarding the learning potential of these methodologies to nurture the habits and mindset of engineers and innovators.