Define a Problem and Brainstorm Ideas

Instructor directions are listed below:

1. Have groups spend 3-5 minutes discussing problems in the world they want to solve.
    
2. Once they have decided on a problem, have one person record their problem on the team's white board or poster paper.
    
3. Have groups spend 5-10 minutes discussing possible solutions to their problem.
    
4. Encourage groups to write up all ideas provided by members of the team, regardless of how good or "bad" the idea is.  Emphasize that there are no bad ideas at this point, it is simply a brainstorm.
    
5. Ask students to select one solution to their problem that they would like to move forward with.

To help cut down on the amount of materials used, you can opt to have pairs team up with another pair to form a group of 4.  Determine the best group arrangement for your class based on numbers and previous group experience.

As groups are brainstorming, circulate the room to ensure that groups are on task and everyone is included in the conversation, but try not to linger too long with any one group or guide their brainstorm in any particular direction.

Some guiding questions you can ask groups are:

• What problem did your team decide you want to solve?
• What are some of the possible solutions your team thought of to solve this problem?

If some groups finish early, they can begin to sketch a design of their solution, come up with a product name, and perhaps even a company name.