Includes absolutely everything you need for a project about creating an app, specifically, an app to study or learn something. Not only do students learn the logic of mapping and planning an app, they practice empathy, problem solving, interviewing, planning, giving feedback, and testing. This project works beautifully on its own, or in Science, Social Studies, ELA, Math, etc.

Examples of how this resource can be used:

• Students create an app for a peer, to teach them about a topic in a subject area; each student focuses on a different sub-topic
• Students create an app for a peer, to teach them about a specific topic of personal interest
• Students create an app for a younger student, to teach them about a specific topic such as forest animals
• Students create an app for a younger student, to teach them about daily routines step-by-step

Details:

For this project, students need to design an app that helps others study or learn something, and they have to design it specifically for a peer or younger student. They plan it in the App Design Journal (printable or digital/interactive), then create it using the Google Slides template - all included in this resource.

This is a highly engaging STEM project that can be used for online distance learning or traditional classes. This integrates beautifully for Science, Social Studies, Math, ELA, Languages / Culture, or any topic of interest to the student. It naturally infuses social emotional learning as well, as students practice empathizing with the user's needs and giving effective feedback.

Check out a student sample in this short video.

This resource includes:

• Step-by-step instructions for modifying the app template and the digital interactive notebook, sending it to students either by link or Google Classroom, and solutions for common issues that could come up
• An app template: an editable file of 30 slides with fully functioning buttons/links (made with Google Slides)
• 23 pages/slides digital interactive App Design Journal (made with Google Slides)
• 20 pages printable PDF version of the App Design Journal + 5 pages of teacher notes

Other similar resources you might be interested in:

Create an App to Reduce Waste Using Google Slides

Design Challenge: Design the Ultimate Chair

Design Challenge: Redesign an Airplane Seat

Design Challenge: Create an Alarm Clock

Using This Resource: In Class or Online / Distance Learning

Option 1 (In-Class, less tech)

• Use the printable version for students
• Show the digital version in class to present informational slides and to demonstrate how to complete worksheets

Option 2 (In-Class, more tech)

• Assign the digital version via Google Classroom or by sending the link (instructions included in Teacher Notes)
• Students use their copy of the digital version as an interactive notebook; they view informational slides and complete the worksheets by typing directly on the slides
• Show the digital version in class to present informational slides and to demonstrate how to complete worksheets

Option 3 (Online/Distance Learning)

• Use the digital version and assign it through Google Classroom or any online learning platform, or share the link with students (instructions included in Teacher Notes)
• Students use their copy of the digital version as an interactive notebook; they view informational slides and complete the worksheets by typing directly on the slides

Students will do the following:

• Prepare questions and interview a target user
• Brainstorm and prioritize ideas for content for the app 
• Create an App Tree as an outline of their app
• Sketch wireframes to plan the layout of screens
• Administer various app tests focusing on overall efficacy, usability, and function
• Give effective feedback to a peer
• Reflect on their test results and identify areas of strength, and areas for further growth

Students will learn the following:

• Understand what Design Thinking is, and when/why it’s used
• Experience how empathizing works in the Design Thinking process 
• Develop brainstorming and planning strategies
• Understand the purpose of wireframes as a first draft in the planning process
• Identify features that are appropriate to use in their own app
• Understand different types of tests and when to use them
• Learn how testing and feedback can inform design improvements
• Learn how to give effective feedback
• Develop a growth mindset, where learners embrace the process of identifying failures and making improvements