simple problem solving project ideas

51 Simple PBL Project Ideas for School Students In 2023

Do you love learning by doing exciting stuff? Well, that’s what Project-Based Learning (PBL) is all about! Imagine learning not from boring books but by tackling real-life challenges. It’s like becoming a detective, scientist, or even an inventor in your classroom.

In 2023, PBL is like the coolest adventure for students. It’s all about making learning fun while you sharpen your thinking skills. The best part? You get to solve real-world problems. No, you won’t need a superhero cape, just your curiosity!

In this blog, we’ve gathered 51 creative PBL project ideas for you. These projects are like puzzles waiting to be solved. They’re designed to make you think, create, and explore like never before. So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery with these fun and engaging PBL projects. It’s time to make learning an awesome adventure!

What is PBL?

Table of Contents

PBL, or Project-Based Learning, is an exciting approach to education. Instead of just memorizing facts, students tackle real-world problems and challenges. It’s like learning by doing. It focuses on solving complex issues, often through interdisciplinary projects. PBL promotes self-directed learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

In PBL, you become an investigator, a problem solver, or a scientist. You work on projects that matter, and this helps you understand the world better. You’ll also develop skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. So, PBL is all about making learning fun and meaningful. It’s like an adventure in the classroom, where you’re the hero, solving real-life puzzles and learning in the coolest way possible.

Benefits of PBL for School Students

Before we dive into the PBL project ideas, let’s explore the numerous benefits of PBL for school students:

1. Encourages Critical Thinking

PBL encourages students to analyze problems, think critically, and develop effective solutions.

2. Fosters Creativity

By working on open-ended projects, students can unleash their creativity and innovation.

3. Enhances Collaboration

PBL promotes teamwork and effective communication among students.

4. Real-World Relevance

Projects often mirror real-life scenarios, making learning more meaningful.

5. Builds Problem-Solving Skills

Students develop problem-solving skills that are crucial in their future endeavors.

How to Implement PBL Project Ideas?

Implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects in the classroom follows a structured approach in five essential steps:

1. Select a Real-World Problem: The first step is to choose a real-world issue or challenge that resonates with your students. This problem should be relevant and engaging, igniting their curiosity and motivation.

2. Define Learning Objectives: Clearly identify the specific skills, knowledge, and outcomes you want your students to gain through the project. These objectives serve as the guiding light for the project’s focus.

3. Create a Project Plan: Develop a comprehensive project plan that outlines the project’s steps, the timeline for each phase, and the resources required. This plan acts as a roadmap, keeping the project on track.

4. Facilitate Student Learning: While you guide the students through the project, it’s important to let them take the lead in problem-solving. Encourage their independence and critical thinking, allowing them to explore and learn through their discoveries.

5. Assess and Reflect: At the project’s conclusion, assess its success in meeting the learning objectives. Additionally, gather feedback from your students about their experiences. This evaluation process helps refine future PBL projects and enhances the educational journey, making it engaging, meaningful, and impactful.

How do I choose a topic for PBL?

Best PBL Project Ideas for Elementary School Students

Here, we’ve come up with engaging and easy PBL project ideas for elementary school students:

1. Grow Your Mini Garden

Let your students become little gardeners. They can create a small garden in the schoolyard, learn about plants, nurture them, and understand the responsibility that comes with it.

2. Design Animal Homes

Give your students the task of designing comfortable habitats for the school’s pets. They can also learn about the pet’s needs and how to care for them.

3. Explore Your Local Ecosystem

Take your students on an adventure to explore the local ecosystem. They can learn about the plants, animals, and the environment around their school.

4. Create a Mini Weather Station

Help your students set up a mini weather station. They can record weather data, learn about different weather conditions, and even predict the weather.

5. Plan a Community Garden

Challenge your students to plan and design a community garden. They’ll learn about teamwork, urban gardening, and the importance of green spaces.

6. Build a Mini Solar Oven

Get your students involved in a project to build mini solar ovens. They’ll learn about solar energy, cooking, and sustainability.

7. Investigate Local Wildlife

Encourage your students to investigate the wildlife in their local area. They can create a wildlife journal, document their findings, and learn about different species.

8. Storytelling with Art

Merge art and storytelling. Have your students create an art piece and then craft a story around it. This project enhances their creativity and language skills.

9. Historical Adventures

Historical Adventures is one of the well-known PBL project ideas for students. Take your students on a historical journey by exploring local historical sites or interviewing older community members. They’ll learn about history firsthand.

10. Mapping Your Community

Teach your students how to make maps. They can create maps of their neighborhood, including landmarks, parks, and places of interest.

11. Puppet Theater

Let your students design and create their puppet theater. They can write and perform plays, fostering creativity and communication skills.

12. Explore Recycling

Educate your students about recycling by initiating a recycling project in school. They can collect, sort, and learn the importance of recycling materials.

13. Local Cuisine Adventure

Have your students explore local cuisine by interviewing local chefs or restaurant owners. They can even cook a local dish and share it with the class.

14. Create a Class Newspaper

Encourage your students to become little journalists. They can write articles about school events, interviews with teachers, and student achievements.

15. Invent a New Toy

Challenge your students to design and create a new toy. They’ll learn about innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

16. Plan a Field Trip

Let your students plan a field trip. They can research destinations, set budgets, and even prepare travel itineraries.

17. Healthy Living Campaign

Teach your students about healthy living. They can create a campaign promoting good nutrition and exercise habits.

Captivating PBL Project Ideas for Middle School Students

Here are PBL project ideas that are perfect for middle school students:

1. Historical Reenactment

Encourage your students to research and reenact a significant historical event. It’s like taking a journey back in time.

2. Community Cookbook

Create a cookbook that features recipes from various cultures within your community. It’s a delicious way to learn about different cuisines.

3. Green School Initiative

Challenge your students to make the school more eco-friendly. They can create plans for recycling, reducing waste, and saving energy.

4. Science Mystery Investigation

Turn your students into detectives. Provide them with a science mystery and let them investigate and solve it.

5. Science Fiction Stories

Inspire your students to write their science fiction stories. They can explore imaginative worlds and create unique characters.

6. Shakespearean Drama Production

Dive into the world of Shakespeare. Your students can select a play, learn about the language, and even put on a production.

7. Archaeological Dig

Unearth history with a mock archaeological dig. Students can explore what life was like in ancient times.

8. Mini Business Start-up

Teach your students about entrepreneurship by having them create their own businesses. They can develop a product or service and even pitch it.

9. Neighborhood Improvement Plan

Let your students be urban planners. They can devise a plan to improve the neighborhood, making it a better place for everyone.

10. Space Exploration Adventure

Explore the cosmos without leaving your classroom. Students can research a planet, design a spaceship, and learn about space travel.

11. Art Gallery Exhibition

Turn your classroom into an art gallery. Your students can create their art, curate an exhibition, and even write artist statements. However, this is one of the best PBL project ideas.

12. Music Festival Organization

Your students can plan and organize a school music festival. They’ll learn about event management and showcase their musical talents.

13. Digital Storytelling Project

Combine technology and creativity by having your students create digital stories. They can write, record, and edit their tales.

14. Robotics Challenge

Dive into the world of robotics. Students can build and program their robots and even compete in a friendly challenge.

15. Film Production

Let your students be filmmakers. They can create short films, from writing scripts to acting and editing.

16. Health and Wellness Campaign

Teach your students about health and wellness. They can create a campaign promoting good nutrition and exercise habits.

17. Model United Nations (MUN)

Get your students involved in global affairs by organizing a Model United Nations conference. They’ll learn about diplomacy and international relations.

Exciting PBL Project Ideas for High School Students

High school is the perfect time for students to take their learning to the next level with engaging Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects. These projects are not only educational but also hands-on and fun. Here are PBL project ideas for high school students:

1. Entrepreneurship Challenge

Let your students embark on an entrepreneurial journey. They can develop a business plan for a student-run enterprise, from idea to execution.

2. Environmental Impact Study

Dive into environmental issues. Your students can investigate the environmental impact of a local problem and propose sustainable solutions.

3. Science Research Symposium

Organize a science research symposium where students can explore and present their findings on various scientific topics.

4. Social Justice Campaign

Challenge your students to create a social justice campaign. They can address critical issues and advocate for positive change.

5. Urban Design Project

Turn your students into urban planners. They can redesign a part of their city or town, focusing on sustainability and community needs.

6. Global Issues Debate

Engage in global discussions. Students can research and debate pressing international problems, fostering critical thinking and diplomacy.

7. Literary Magazine Creation

Encourage your students to create a literary magazine. They can write, edit, and publish their poetry, short stories, and essays.

8. Human Anatomy Exploration

Dive deep into biology. Students can explore human anatomy, create detailed models, and present their findings. In other words, it is one of the major PBL project ideas.

9. Coding and App Development

Introduce your students to coding and app development. They can design and build their apps, solving real-world problems.

10. Culinary Showcase

Host a culinary showcase where students can learn about and prepare dishes from various cuisines.

11. Documentary Film Production

Turn your students into documentary filmmakers. They can research, film, and edit a documentary on a topic they’re passionate about.

12. Community History Project

Explore local history with a community history project. Students can interview community members, research historical events, and create presentations.

13. Civic Engagement Initiative

Encourage your students to become active citizens. They can initiate a civic engagement project, addressing local or national issues.

14. STEM Fair

Organize a STEM fair where students can showcase their science, technology, engineering , and math projects.

15. Art Exhibition

Turn your classroom into an art gallery. Students can create their art, curate an exhibition, and write artist statements.

16. Literacy Program for Younger Students

Develop a literacy program for younger students, helping them improve their reading and writing skills.

17. Sustainable Energy Solution

Dive into sustainability by having your students design a sustainable energy solution for a real-world problem.

In conclusion, as we step into 2023, Project-Based Learning (PBL) stands as a steadfast and valuable educational approach. It equips students with vital life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The PBL project ideas outlined here are a testament to the versatility and power of this method. By embracing PBL in the classroom, educators can empower students to take charge of their learning journey, fostering a deep sense of engagement and meaning. It’s through PBL that we can best prepare our students for a future that demands not just knowledge but also the ability to apply it in innovative and practical ways.

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Top 30 Mini Project Ideas For College Students [UPDATED]

Mar 25, 2024 6 Min Read 39266 Views

(Last Updated)

Finding the right mini project for your UG & PG assignments is a tough battle , isn’t it? As a beginner just starting out in tech, you might feel overwhelmed by the project submissions and deadlines, but we’re here to make that easy for you.

This comprehensive guide with Mini-Project Ideas for college students will become your go-to handbook for all your project deadlines . This blog lists 30 tailored ideas for your college mini project, ranging from beginner to pro-level projects.

We’ve designed it in a way that the time and effort involved in project creation will be minimal . Do go through the entire blog so that you can find the project idea that best suits your specialization.

Table of contents

• The Top 30 Easy-to-Build Mini Project Ideas For Students
• Word Processors like Notepad or Notepad++
• Syntax Checker
• Code Indenter
• Simple Paint Application
• Library Management System
• Hospital Management System
• Code Editor
• Website for Business, Portfolio website, Website for your city
• Inventory System
• Mini Search Engine
• Resume Builder Software
• IRCTC Railway Booking System Clone
• GUI for Databases like MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, etc.
• Build your own Linux Commands/ DOS Commands
• Mini Facebook/ Twitter
• Online Banking System
• Online Ticket Booking System
• Music Organizer
• Price Comparison Website
• Amazon/ Flipkart Clone
• YouTube Clone
• Matrimonial Website
• WYSIWYG HTML Editor
• Web Scraper
• Simple Chat Program
• Quiz Website
• Stack Overflow Clone
• Online Voting System
• Expense Tracker App/ Website
• Wrapping Up
• How do I select a mini-project topic?
• How do I find a good project topic?
• How do you make a mini project in college?
• What are the latest project topics?

The main objective of creating a mini project for college is to facilitate students to gain profound insights on the subject matter with practical knowledge .

Project creation helps evolve your creative thinking, analytical skills, and reasoning ability. These real-life projects will be the foundation for a successful career in the future. Let’s get started!

Before diving into the next section, ensure you’re solid on full-stack development essentials like front-end frameworks, back-end technologies, and database management. If you are looking for a detailed Full Stack Development career program, you can join GUVI’s Full Stack Development Career Program with Placement Assistance. You will be able to master the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and build real-life projects.

Additionally, if you want to explore JavaScript through a self-paced course, try GUVI’s JavaScript self-paced certification course.

1. Word Processors like Notepad or Notepad++

Creating a word processor like Notepad can handle characters and fonts from a pre-defined library. This mini project is very practical because as it is already a widely used software.

You can create a  primary document with menus such as File, Edit, and Help.  You can develop this project using Python and JAVA.

2. Syntax Checker

You can build a simple syntax checker, a widely used application by students like you. Developing a syntax checker would require a good understanding of parsing techniques .

One would also need to create a complete description of the language parsed. 

3. Code Indenter

Another interesting mini project idea related to your study is code Indenter. Code Intenders are generally used to improve code readability and facilitate easy formatting .

Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, one can build a code indenter to help format and indent the input code. You can introduce features like syntax highlighting and light and dark themes to make the indenter more professional and operational.

4. Simple Paint Application

Try to invent an Interactive Painting or drawing application with adequate drawing tools using Java or an API like Open GL or even HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

5. Library Management System

A Library Management System(LMS)  is a programmed software to organize books in the library in a way it is easy to access by the readers and the library itself. 

With the help of LMS, one can track the books available in store,  lost/ out-of-stock, books issued and returned, etc. The LMS streamlines the operational processes of a library.   

Creating a library management system is a popular project among college students. You can accomplish this mini project with SQL and a programming language like Java or Python . You create login provisions and profiles for each user to maintain the records in the database. 

6. Hospital Management System

 A hospital management system is a cloud-based system that facilitates managing the effective functioning of the hospital. When you create HMS software,  confirm you turn all paperwork functionalities into online services such as prescriptions, insurance details, treatment charges, and more. 

You should build respective databases, forms, and pages to manage all the information regarding patients, doctors, staff, Pharmacy, Lab, Billing, etc. You can follow HTML, CSS, JScript, ASP.Net, C#, and SQL Server to construct HMS for your project. 

7. Code Editor

Code Editor helps programmers develop codes in a streamlined manner. Creating a code editor requires basic knowledge of web development, i.e., HTML, CSS, and JavaScript .

Styling the editor, compiling the code, and representing the result can make it look like a complex project, but this isn’t true when you start exploring the learning part behind it.

8. Website for Business, Portfolio website, Website for your city 

You can build a highly-operational website for yourself, your business, and your city. It is a gratifying idea because you get a portfolio/your business site, and an academic project in one go . 

A simple website with several web pages and a navigation system can be a simple yet rewarding mini project for college students.

9. Inventory System

You can build an Inventory System application using PHP and MySQL . The steps involved include designing the database, setting up the phpGrid, and creating a user interface.

10. Mini Search Engine

You should include servers and content pages to enable the engine to index while creating a mini-search engine like Google.

This search engine should be programmed to perform parsing, crawling, indexing, and query-serving functions, and return the results on a result page .

11. Resume Builder Software

You can create resume builder software using web development tools, a PHP server, and MySQL . Ensure your software encrypts passwords, converts web pages into PDF formats, and secures the data. Also, incorporate a creative dimension to the User interface of the website. 

12. IRCTC Railway Booking System Clone

This mini-project idea is a simple replica of IRCTC, a railway booking system. This booking system will create and manage ticket reservations, display timings, routes, and availability, and generate PNR numbers for passengers.

13. GUI for Databases like MySQL, Oracle, MongoDB, etc.

One of the best ideas in this list is to build a user-friendly GUI for databases. It helps users access the underlying database efficiently. You can achieve this project using Python frameworks like pyQT or Tkinter .

14. Build your own Linux Commands/ DOS Commands

There are millions of commands we use in Linux. Have you ever thought of creating your commands? 

You need to have a good knowledge of Linux commands with their attributes to build this project. Try to focus on integrating Linux knowledge with scripting.  You can construct Linux commands by creating a bash script and making it executable.

15. Mini Facebook/ Twitter

You can build your social networking site or Facebook/Twitter clone for your Mini project. Creating a social networking website can be exciting and rewarding. These real-life-adjacent projects will help you identify an innovator within and develop similar useful apps or products in the future.  To execute this project, you need frontend and backend development, a clean UI with defined information architecture, a prototype , and an interface concept.

16. Online Banking System

Developing an admin-controlled banking system is a great idea. Equip users to create an account and carry out seamless transactions. You could construct an online banking system using PHP and MySQL .

17. Online Ticket Booking System

It is similar to the banking system project. You would require a database, a homepage, and modules for agents, administrators, and users to produce this fascinating mini project. Plus, you can define your frontend UI with the utmost creativity and usability to make your mini project stand out from the rest of the class. 

18. Music Organizer

Everyone loves Music. “Music organizer” is a solution project for our hassle-free music experience. Basically, you’ll be creating like a very mini-version of something like Spotify.

You could use Java programming to create a system that organizes digital music files. You can incorporate features such as filter, sort, and sync.

19. Price Comparison Website

A price comparison website should enable users to access price data from other websites and compare them for random products. In addition to web development, this project would require web scraping tools.

20. Amazon/ Flipkart Clone

Building Amazon/ Flipkart is similar to building a website. Since it is an e-commerce site, it involves creating an online store and a payment gateway . Using Python and Django is a popular way to build such a website, even if it is a professional need.

Want to learn in-depth concepts in Python to create a website like Flipkart? Learn Python in your language for free by signing up for GUVI’s comprehensive course today!

21. YouTube Clone

A YouTube clone is another impactful mini-project idea for you. When you create a YouTube clone application, allow users to update, convert, play videos, like, dislike, and comment, and generate thumbnails for the videos.

You can develop this clone successfully using your object-oriented programming skills.  

22. Matrimonial Website

You can build a matrimonial website using PHP . You can create a web portal to connect users and allow them to make impressive profiles. You can bring out your creativity in UI/UX to communicate the matches, chat features, etc.

23. WYSIWYG HTML Editor

WYSIWYG stands for what-you-see-is-what-you-get . Creating this document editor with HTML can be beginner-friendly and a last-hour mini project idea for college students.

Do you have to revisit the concepts of HTML to build this project? Sign up for this beginner-friendly HTML & CSS course that gives you globally recognized certifications and free access to gamified practice platforms (here, you can build your mini project for free). 

24. Web Scraper

Web scrapers are useful for mining and extracting data from the web, provided it occurs within the legal framework. Explore the most popular Python’s Beautiful Soup library for building a web scraper. 

25. Simple Chat Program

You can establish a simple chat room program using socket programming and multithreading concepts. You have to write both server-side and client-side scripts to achieve this mini-project . 

26. Quiz Website

A Quiz website revolves around a set frame with repetitive actions. So, it is very uncomplicated to build a quiz website. You can create your interactive quiz website using HTML, CSS, AngularJS, and Bootstrap .

27. Stack Overflow Clone

Stack Overflow is a popular online community for developers like you to learn, share​ ​their programming ​knowledge, and build their careers.

You can try a replica of this site with all its signature features for this mini-project. While Stack Overflow is not open source , you can reciprocate a Q&A website with discussion forums.

28. Online Voting System

You can create the need-of-the-hour online voting system using PHP and MySQL . You should include various modules, such as a voter module, a committee module, and an admin panel with a defined set of functions.

29. Expense Tracker App/ Website

The expense tracker website/app is similar to building any website or app. Specifically, this project requires a spreadsheet and budgeting features.

You can bring in visual and graphical illustrations such as graphs, pie charts, and other statistical representations to boost the user experience of the website/app.

30. A Chatbot

You can build a super-simple chatbot for your college’s mini-project. It can be designed for mobile and web. The project aims to understand the user intent in the queries and to give them more human answers.  

The basic functionality would be this: when a user enters a question in the system, the bot will analyze the keywords and generate an appropriate response specific to the user’s intent. 

Ensure you feed data on different topics such as art, science, psychology, food, entertainment, education, culture, travel, health, politics, and more. Since chatbots are a show-stunner in today’s world, this project would be an excellent choice for you.

All the above mini-project ideas don’t just boost your scores in college but will also help you understand the infinite possibilities to practice real-life cases.

Remember that getting your hands on these projects helps enhance your technical, non-technical, and “problem-solving” skills and land a dream career in your respective fields.  

Are you looking for self-paced online courses on technical concepts & programming languages to help you build your next project?

Kickstart your Full Stack Development journey by enrolling in GUVI’s certified Full Stack Development Career Program with Placement Assistance where you will master the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and build interesting real-life projects. This program is crafted by our team of experts to help you upskill and assist you in placements.

Alternatively, if you want to explore JavaScript through a self-paced course, try GUVI’s JavaScript self-paced course.

1. How do I select a mini-project topic?

Choose a problem statement that needs a solution in real-life. Create a software/ website/ app or any related project to establish the solution for the objective. This way, you’ll have a structured approach to your mini project. Also, ensure that this project aligns with your future career goals. 

2. How do I find a good project topic?

Always choose a topic that interests you. Remember that this project will have an impact on your portfolio. So, choose a topic that will align with your career goals. 

3. How do you make a mini project in college?

Follow these steps to make mini project in college:

1. Find a simple topic that interests you 2. Draft a clear-cut plan before you start working on your project 3. List 3 potential topics and choose the one that fits your future career goals 4. Always have a backup project idea & plan ready.  5. Construct a business problem statement and provide a solution for it via your project

4. What are the latest project topics?

The following are the latest project topics & ideas: 1. Mini Search Engine 2. Sentiment Analysis system 3. Music organizer 4. Chatbot 5. Social media apps, read the article above to find many more!

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About the Author

Srinithi Sankar

I am a media graduate who found love in words. I started my content writing journey when I realized simple words build big brands. I’ve worked as a freelancer with multiple brands in different fields yet found my sweet spot in ed-tech. Now, I am a content writer bringing you a step closer to GUVI.

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ChatGPT for Teachers

Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, stem projects that tackle real-world problems.

STEM learning is largely about designing creative solutions for real-world problems. When students learn within the context of authentic, problem-based STEM design, they can more clearly see the genuine impact of their learning. That kind of authenticity builds engagement, taking students from groans of “When will I ever use this?” to a genuine connection between skills and application.

Using STEM to promote critical thinking and innovation

“Educational outcomes in traditional settings focus on how many answers a student knows. We want students to learn how to develop a critical stance with their work: inquiring, editing, thinking flexibly, and learning from another person’s perspective,” says Arthur L. Costa in his book Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind . “The critical attribute of intelligent human beings is not only having information but also knowing how to act on it.”

Invention and problem-solving aren’t just for laboratory thinkers hunkered down away from the classroom. Students from elementary to high school can wonder, design, and invent a real product that solves real problems. “ Problem-solving involves finding answers to questions and solutions for undesired effects. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process (EDP) — an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and prototype design, along with testing and analysis,” says Ann Jolly in her book STEM by Design . “These iterative steps will involve your students in asking critical questions about the problem, and guide them through creating and testing actual prototypes to solve that problem.”

STEM projects that use real-world problems

Here are some engaging projects that get your students thinking about how to solve real-world problems.

Preventing soil erosion

In this project, meant for sixth – 12th grade, students learn to build a seawall to protest a coastline from erosion, calculating wave energy to determine the best materials for the job.  See the project.

Growing food during a flood

A natural disaster that often devastates communities, floods can make it difficult to grow food. In this project, students explore “a problem faced by farmers in Bangladesh and how to grow food even when the land floods.”  See the project .

Solving a city’s design needs

Get your middle or high school students involved in some urban planning. Students can identify a city’s issues, relating to things like transportation, the environment, or overcrowding — and design solutions. See the project here or this Lego version for younger learners.

Creating clean water

Too many areas of the world — including cities in our own country — do not have access to clean water. In this STEM project, teens will learn how to build and test their own water filtration systems.  See the project here .

Improving the lives of those with disabilities

How can someone with crutches or a wheelchair carry what they need? Through some crafty designs! This project encourages middle school students to think creatively  and  to participate in civic engagement.   See the project here .

Cleaning up an oil spill

We’ve all seen images of beaches and wildlife covered in oil after a disastrous spill. This project gets elementary to middle school students designing and testing oil spill clean-up kits. See the project here .

Building earthquake-resistant structures

With the ever-increasing amount of devastating earthquakes around the world, this project solves some major problems. Elementary students can learn to create earthquake resistant structures in their classroom. See the project here .

Constructing solar ovens

In remote places or impoverished areas, it’s possible to make solar ovens to safely cook food. In this project, elementary students construct solar ovens to learn all about how they work and their environmental and societal impact.  See the project here .

Stopping apple oxidization

Stop those apples from turning brown with this oxidation-based project. Perfect for younger learners, students can predict, label, count, and experiment! See the project here .

Advancing as a STEAM educator

The push for STEM has evolved into the STEAM movement, adding the arts for further enrichment and engagement. There are so many ways to embed STEM or STEAM lessons in your curriculum, but doing it well requires foundational knowledge and professional development. Imagine what type of impact you could have on your students and your community if you were supported by a theoretical framework, a variety of strategies, and a wealth of ideas and resources.

You may also like to read

• Teaching STEM: Challenging Students to Think Through Tough Problems
• Professional Development Resources for STEM Teachers
• What is the Washington State STEM Lighthouse Program?
• Characteristics of a Great STEAM Program
• Building a Partnership Between Your School and a STEAM Organization
• The Art of Inquiry in STEAM Education

Categorized as: Tips for Teachers and Classroom Resources

Tagged as: Art ,  Educational Technology ,  Engaging Activities ,  Math and Science ,  Science ,  STEAM

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100 Project-Based Learning Ideas

Already know about PBL? Skip to 100 PBL Ideas

What is project-based learning, project-based learning definition.

Project-based learning, or PBL, is an instructional approach that encourages students to explore real-world problems and challenges. It is an engaging and meaningful way for students to learn, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a practical context.

In practice, PBL is simply a series of activities designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of a particular topic or subject. These activities range from hands-on experiments and simulations to research projects and presentations.

Project-based learning is an effective way for teachers to engage their students in the classroom. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration , and communication skills. Plus, it allows students to take ownership of their learning and apply what they've learned to real-world situations, making the learning experience more meaningful and relevant.

How is project-based learning different than traditional instruction?

Project-based learning differs from traditional learning models in several ways:

• Curriculum: Traditional learning models typically follow a pre-determined curriculum with specific content that students must learn. On the other hand, project-based learning is driven by the project itself. The project is the vehicle through which students learn the content, and the curriculum is tailored to the project.
• Hands-on learning: In traditional learning models, students are often passive learners, listening to lectures and completing worksheets. In project-based learning, students are active learners, participating in hands-on activities that enable real-world application.
• Problem-based learning: In traditional models, the emphasis is on memorization and knowledge reproduction. In contrast, project-based learning is based on solving real-world problems, requires students to apply critical thinking skills, and develops problem-solving ability.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Traditional models tend to focus on individual achievement, whereas project-based learning encourages cooperation and teamwork. Students work together to complete a project, which teaches them how to communicate effectively and work well with others.
• Student-centered learning: Traditional models focus on the teacher as the primary source of knowledge, whereas project-based learning is student-centered, allowing students to take an active role in their education and develop a deeper understanding of the material.
• Assessment: Traditional models often rely on standardized tests, a one-size-fits-all approach to assessing student learning. In project-based learning, assessment is based on the project itself, with an emphasis on how well students have applied the content to the project.

Overall, Project-based learning is a holistic approach that emphasizes active, hands-on, and problem-based learning, while traditional models tend to be teacher-centered, lecture-based, and focused on knowledge reproduction.

Why should you use project-based learning?

Innovative instruction models like PBL are becoming increasingly important because they help students develop essential skills for succeeding in the 21st century. PBL encourages students to think critically, solve problems, collaborate with others, and communicate effectively. It also allows them to take ownership of their learning and apply their knowledge practically.

While traditional education models rely heavily on memorization and rote learning, PBL allows students to explore and discover new information. This encourages them to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to problems— a skill that is essential in the modern workplace.

Watch: Project Based Learning: Explained.

Project-based learning is helpful for various reasons:

• Relevance: Project-based learning provides students with relevant, real-world experiences that are meaningful to them. This allows them to connect what they're learning to the world around them, helping them to understand and retain the information better.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving : Project-based learning requires students to think critically and solve problems, essential skills for success in the 21st century. By working on a project, students can apply what they've learned in a real-world context, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the material.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Project-based learning encourages collaboration and teamwork, which are important skills for students to develop. By working together on a project, students learn how to communicate effectively and work well with others, which are valuable skills in their personal and professional lives.
• Creativity and innovation: Project-based learning allows students to be creative and innovative. As they work on a project, they can think outside the box and develop new and unique ideas. This helps to foster creativity and innovation in students, which are valuable skills for success in any field.
• Student-centered learning: Project-based learning is student-centered and encourages students to participate in their education actively. This allows them to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for their growth, which can increase engagement and motivation.
• Preparation for the future: Project-based learning provides students with experiences closer to the real world, which can better prepare them for future careers. Additionally, project-based learning often requires students to use technology and other modern tools. This helps them develop the digital skills that are becoming increasingly necessary in the workforce.

Overall, Project-based learning is a dynamic, engaging, and effective way for students of all grade levels to learn and develop critical skills necessary for success in school and life.

Research & Evidence

Research on project-based learning has found that it can effectively improve student learning and engagement. Studies indicate that students who participate in project-based learning tend to have higher levels of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as better retention of the material. Additionally, students who participate in project-based learning often have increased engagement, motivation, and a better understanding of the material.

The following are a few studies that support the effectiveness of project-based learning:

• One study found that when teachers received training and support in using project-based learning (PBL) in the classroom, their students performed better on Advanced Placement (AP) exams than students whose teachers did not have this training. The study suggests that using PBL in classrooms can benefit students' learning and preparation for college-level exams and civic engagement and engagement with learning. (Saavedra, Liu, et al., 2021)
• A study in Michigan found that third-grade students who were instructed using Project-based Learning (PBL) and 3-dimensional learning outperformed those who continued with their usual curriculum on a science achievement test. The new curriculum also improved students' scores in self-reflection and collaboration in science classes, suggesting that it can be an effective way to teach science in elementary school and help students develop a deeper understanding of science and SEL skills. (Krajcik et al., 2021).
• A study of middle school students in California found that those who learned science through a project-based curriculum performed 11 percentage points better on a science assessment than their peers. Additionally, students who used the project-based curriculum did better on the end-of-year math and English language arts assessments. (Deutscher et al., 2021).

These studies are just a few examples of the research that's been done on project-based learning. So, while it's clear that PBL can be an effective way to improve student learning and engagement, it's also worth noting that the effectiveness of PBL will depend on the specific implementation of instruction and the context in which it is used.

Project-Based Learning Example

One example of PBL in a K-12 classroom might be an activity on environmental pollution. Students might be asked to research different types of pollution, create a presentation about their findings, and then design an action plan for reducing pollution in their community. 

From this project, students might learn the following:

• Research skills, such as locating and evaluating reliable sources
• Information literacy, such as understanding how to organize and present data.
• Environmental science concepts, such as the sources and impacts of pollution.
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills when designing an action plan.
• Communication and collaboration skills when presenting their findings and working together on the project.

Example PBL Lesson Plan

Lesson title: taking action against environmental pollution, objectives:.

• Students will research different types of pollution and their effects on the environment.
• Students will understand the importance of taking action to reduce pollution in their community.
• Students will design an action plan for reducing pollution in their community.
• Internet access
• (optional) Research materials (books, articles, etc.)
• Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
• Poster board or other materials for creating an action plan
• Introduction: Begin by discussing the concept of pollution and its adverse effects on the environment. Ask students to brainstorm examples of different types of pollution and their environmental effects.
• Research: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific kind of pollution to research. Provide each group with internet access and research materials. Give students time to conduct research and take notes on their findings.
• Presentation: Have each group create a presentation on their research findings. Encourage students to be creative and use visual aids in their presentations. Allow time for each group to present their findings to the class.
• Action Plan: After presentations, have students work in groups to create an action plan for reducing pollution in their community. Encourage students to think creatively about ways to reduce pollution. Allow students time to research and gather additional information they may need for their action plans.
• Implementation and Reflection: Encourage students to present their action plans to the class or a community group. The students should explain their plan and how they will implement it. If feasible, help students implement the plan in their community; after that, ask students to reflect on what they've learned throughout the project, how they felt during the different steps, and the successes and challenges of their plan.
• Assessment: Assessment can be done in various ways, for example, by:
• Evidence-based, authentic assessment by using the Unrulr app
• Self-reflection and peer evaluations on the presentations and action plans
• Observation of students during research, presentation, and plan implementation
• Formal assessments such as quizzes on pollution, what was learned about pollution, and the effects it has on the environment

Adaptations:

• Depending on the grade level and the students, the project can be adapted to their needs. For younger students, it may be simpler to focus on one type of pollution and its effects on their community.
• Depending on the subject, the project can be modified for the subject area, for example, science, social studies, language arts, or math.
• For students with special needs, you can adapt the projects with specific materials or instructions.

One hundred project-based learning ideas

Whether you are new to PBL or a seasoned veteran, read on to discover 100 PBL project ideas for students to tackle in your classroom.

• Community Garden: design and plan a community garden, including selecting plants, fundraising, and organizing volunteers.
• Renewable Energy: research and build models or prototypes of a renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
• Historical Fiction: research a historical event or period, and then write and illustrate their own historical fiction story.
• Board Game Design: design and develop a board game, including creating the game rules, storyline, and artwork.
• Science Fair: choose a scientific topic and conduct experiments or research to present at a school science fair.
• Digital Photography: learn digital photography basics, including composition and editing, and create a photography portfolio.
• Environmental Impact: research the environmental impact of a particular industry or activity and then create a plan to reduce that impact.
• Cooking class: learn about nutrition and food preparation by planning and cooking a series of meals.
• Debate Club: students research and debate current events and social issues.
• Entrepreneurial Challenge: work in teams to develop and pitch a business idea to a panel of judges.
• Mock Trial: students research and stage a mock trial, playing the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors.
• Community Service: research and plan a community service project, and then work to implement it in the community.
• Crime Scene Investigation: learn about forensic science and use critical thinking skills to solve a simulated crime scene.
• Current events: students keep track of current events and create a News show or podcast discussing the events.
• Music Production: learn about music production and create a digital audio track.
• City Planning: research and design a plan for a sustainable, livable city.
• Movie Making: write, direct, and produce a short film.
• Crime Statistics: analyze crime data to identify patterns and develop crime-prevention strategies.
• Public Speaking: students research and deliver speeches on a topic of their choice.
• Cultural Exchange: learn about different cultures and create a cultural exchange program with a school in another country.
• Fashion Design: design and create a clothing line or accessory collection.
• Psychology: students research the effects of a specific psychological phenomenon and conduct experiments to test their hypotheses.
• Art History: research a particular art movement or artist and create an artwork inspired by that movement or artist.
• Space Exploration: research and design a mission to explore a planet or moon in our solar system.
• Geography: create a digital map and report on a region's geography, culture, and economy.
• Poetry: research and analyze different types of poetry and write an original poem.
• Internet Safety: research the risks of social media and internet use and create a public service campaign to educate peers on how to stay safe online.
• Personal Finance: learn about personal finance and create a budget, saving, and investment plan.
• Archaeological Dig: plan and conduct an archaeological dig. Learn how to preserve and interpret the findings.
• Pop-up Book: design and create a pop-up book featuring original illustrations and stories.
• Green Architecture: research and design an energy-efficient, sustainable building.
• Ecosystems: research a specific ecosystem and create a model or presentation that illustrates the interconnectedness of its various components.
• iOS/Android App development: learn the basics of mobile app development and design an app.
• Radio Broadcasting: create a radio show featuring original content and interviews.
• Children's Literature: research and analyze children's literature and create a children's book.
• Human Rights: research a specific human rights issue and create a campaign to raise awareness and advocate for change.
• Creative Writing: students write and revise a short story or novel and receive feedback on their work.
• Anatomy: create a detailed diagram of the human body and learn about the functions of a specific body system.
• Climate Change: research the causes and effects of climate change and prototype solutions to combat it.
• Disaster Management: research and plan for natural or man-made disasters and create a disaster preparedness plan for the community.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): students teach English to non-native speakers in the school or community.
• Genealogy: students research their family history and create a family tree.
• Firefighting: learn about firefighting techniques and equipment and conduct a simulated fire drill.
• Rube Goldberg Machine: design and build a Rube Goldberg machine to perform a specific task.
• Stop-motion Animation: learn the basics of stop-motion animation and create an animated short.
• Medical Science: research a specific medical condition and create a public awareness campaign.
• Travel Planning: research and plan a fictional trip to a foreign country.
• Personal Growth: students reflect on their personal growth and create a plan to achieve their goals.
• Meteorology: learn about weather patterns and create a forecast for the local area.
• Video Game Design: design and develop a video game.
• Podcasting: produce a podcast on a chosen topic.
• Industrial Design: design and prototype a new product or piece of furniture.
• Personal Branding: students research and develop their personal brand.
• Social Media Marketing: learn about social media marketing and create a campaign for a local business.
• Jazz Band: learn how to play jazz music and perform in a school concert.
• Environmental Science: students research a specific environmental issue and propose solutions.
• World Religions: research and compare different world religions.
• Stand-up Comedy: learn the basics of stand-up comedy and perform an original comedy routine.
• Photo Essay: learn about photography and create a photo essay on a specific theme.
• Textile Design: learn about textile design and create a collection of original fabric designs.
• Geopolitics: research and analyze current geopolitical issues and events.
• Cybersecurity: research and learn about cyber threats and create a plan to protect your online identity.
• Earth Science: learn about the earth's systems and conduct experiments to test hypotheses.
• Coding: learn how to code and develop a software program or website.
• American Sign Language: learn American Sign Language and translate a popular song.
• Nutrition: research the effects of nutrition on health and create a healthy meal plan.
• Environmental Science: Students learn about the effects of pollution and create a plan to reduce waste and conserve resources.
• Stress Management: learn about stress management and create a personal stress-reduction plan.
• Game Theory:   students research game theory and create their own game to demonstrate a game theory concept.
• Street Art: learn about street art and create a mural for the school or community.
• Data Analysis: collect and analyze data on a specific topic and create a dashboard or visualization for the data.
• Carbon Footprint: students calculate their carbon footprint and create a plan to reduce it.
• Political Science: research and analyze a current political issue and propose solutions.
• Economics: research a current economic issue and create a report or presentation to share the findings.
• Astrology: create a horoscope or astrological chart for your birth sign.
• Sustainable Agriculture: research sustainable agriculture practices and create a plan to implement them in the community.
• Astronomy: learn about astronomy and create a model of the solar system.
• Human Development: research human development and create a report or presentation on a specific stage or aspect of human development.
• Media Studies: research and analyze a specific medium, such as television or film, and create a report or presentation to share the findings.
• Gender Studies: research and analyze the social construction of gender and create a report or presentation to share the findings.
• Automotive Technology: learn about the mechanics and technology behind cars and work on a car engine repair project.
• Robotics: Students work on a project to design and develop a robot that can perform specific tasks like assistance for disabled individuals or food delivery.
• Medical Science: research and build a model of the human body to explore the intricacies of the different body systems.
• CNC Programming: learn the basics of CNC programming and use it to design and create a 3D project, like a piece of furniture or art piece.
• Aerospace Engineering: design and build a spacecraft model, then plan a space mission.
• Cybersecurity: research different types of cyber-attacks and imagine a security system to protect against them.
• Biotechnology: work on a project to genetically modify a plant or microorganism to make it resistant to a particular disease or increase its yield
• Human Resources Management: learn about the different aspects of human resources management, such as recruitment, employee development, and performance management, and create an HR plan for a hypothetical company.
• Machine Learning: learn about machine learning techniques and build a model that can perform a specific task like image recognition or natural language processing.
• Supply Chain Management: work on a project to create an efficient supply chain management plan for a hypothetical company
• Lean Management: learn about lean management principles and apply them to a specific production process.
• Futures Studies: students research and analyze future trends and developments in a specific field and create a report or presentation on their findings.
• 3D Printing: learn about 3D printing technology and create and print a physical object using CAD software.
• Artificial Intelligence: learn about the basics of AI and its applications and use it to create a project such as a chatbot or a game.
• User Experience (UX) Design: learn about user experience design and use it to design a mockup for a website or application.
• Augmented Reality: learn about augmented reality technology and use it to create an educational game or interactive experience.
• Virtual Reality: learn about virtual reality technology and use it to create a virtual tour of a historical location or museum, or a journey through a specific ecosystem
• Educational Resources for Local Schools : create educational resources that can be used by local schools in different subject areas. They will research potential topics, create engaging lessons, and produce materials that can be used in the classroom.
• Plan an Accessible Playground : work together to plan an accessible playground for the community. Research different playground designs that meet accessibility needs and develop a budget for supplies.

Keep in mind that these are only examples of project ideas to help you brainstorm. You will need to tailor projects based on what you know about your students and the resources available in your classroom.

Also, remember that project-based learning should be student-centered and engaging, and allow students to work in collaborative groups. Projects should be as relevant and as applicable to the real world as possible.

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65+ Real-World Project-Based Learning Ideas for All Ages and Interests

Find and implement solutions to real-world problems.

Project-based learning is a hot topic in many schools these days, as educators work to make learning more meaningful for students. As students conduct hands-on projects addressing real-world issues, they dig deeper and make personal connections to the knowledge and skills they’re gaining. But not just any project fits into this concept. Learn more about strong project-based learning ideas, and find examples for any age or passion.

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning (PBL) uses real-world projects and student-directed activities to build knowledge and skills. Kids choose a real-world topic that’s meaningful to them (some people call these “passion projects”), so they’re engaged in the process from the beginning. These projects are long-term, taking weeks, months, or even a full semester or school year. Students may complete them independently or working in small groups. Learn much more about project-based learning here.

What makes a good PBL project?

In many ways, PBL is more like the work adults do in their daily jobs, especially because student efforts have potential real-world effects. A strong PBL project:

• Addresses a real-world issue or problem
• Requires sustained and independent inquiry, in and out of the classroom
• Allows students voice and choice throughout the project
• Combines elements of many disciplines
• Includes collaboration with public partners, such as universities, community organizations, or businesses
• Produces a public product that is seen by those outside the school community
• Covers a complete process, including activities like research, design, production, marketing or public awareness, and enlisting supporters or investors

Outdoor Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Create a new local park, or improve an existing one by adding new features or providing needed maintenance.
• Plant a community garden to provide food for a soup kitchen, food pantry, or other organization.
• Design and create a butterfly, pollinator, or other wildlife garden to support the local ecosystem.
• Build a new walking or biking trail that’s safe for people of all ages to use.
• Devise and implement a way to reduce litter in your community.
• Set up and manage a school or community compost pile, and distribute the resulting soil to those who need it most.
• Find and help the public use a new way to grow food that requires less soil, water, or fertilizers, which are in short supply in some parts of the world.
• Design, build, and install a completely unique piece of playground equipment that serves a specific purpose or need.

School Community Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Start a comprehensive recycling program at school, or substantially improve participation in an existing one.
• Add collaborative artwork like murals or other displays to school hallways, bathrooms, or grounds.
• Determine a location or program at your school that needs improvement, then make a plan, raise the funds, and implement your ideas.
• Come up with ways to celebrate your school’s diversity and improve relationships between all students.
• Start and run a school store , including inventory, financial plans, and marketing.
• Write a school handbook for new students, with tips and tricks for helping them feel at home.
• Figure out how to offer healthier, better-tasting meals and snacks in the school cafeteria.
• Implement a mentoring program for older students to help younger students, with planned activities and appropriate training for older students.
• Design and propose a new style of grading system that ensures equity.
• Find ways to improve the indoor recess experience at your school.
• Set up and run a new school newspaper, magazine, podcast, video channel, etc.

Greater Community Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Coordinate a community art project in a central location to celebrate local culture or artists.
• Set up a program for schoolkids to socialize with senior citizens in nursing homes, hospitals, or retirement communities.
• Create a program to offer free translation services for ESL families in the community.
• Help a local animal shelter improve its facilities, or find new ways to match homeless pets with their forever families.
• Build and maintain Little Free Libraries around your community, especially in underserved areas.
• Help local businesses become more environmentally conscious, increasing sustainability and decreasing waste.
• Create and lead a walking tour of your community, highlighting its culture, history, landmarks, and more.
• Find a way to record and celebrate local voices in your community’s history.
• Come up with ideas for welcoming immigrants and other newcomers to your community.
• Set up a series of events that will encourage the community to mix and experience each others’ foods, cultures, and more.
• Create and implement a new program to inspire a love of books and reading in preschool students.
• Set up and help run a new charitable organization your community needs.

Social Issues Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Start an awareness campaign on a topic that’s important to you, like anti-bullying, healthy living, protecting the environment, civil rights, equality and equity, etc.
• Come up with and implement ways to increase voter turnout in your community, especially among younger voters.
• Write, record, and share with a wider audience your own TED Talk–style video on an issue that hasn’t been covered yet or on which you have a unique perspective.
• Devise and implement ways for unheard voices to be amplified in your school or community.
• Write and publicly perform a play that highlights a social issue that’s important to you.
• Look for areas in your community that present challenges to those with disabilities, and help to improve them to overcome those challenges.
• Research, write, and publicly present and defend a position paper on an issue that’s important to your community.
• Choose a real court case, then research the law and work with legal experts to prepare and present your own case as you would in a courtroom.
• Write, edit, seek, and incorporate real-world feedback, and publish or publicly present your own book, poem, or song on an issue that’s important to you.
• Start a program to teach a specific group (e.g., preschoolers, senior citizens, business owners) to care for and protect the environment.
• Plan and hold a fundraiser to support an issue you care about.
• Choose a law you feel is unjust, and write, research, and publicly present and defend a position paper about your desired change.

STEM Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Create an app that meets a specific purpose for a specific audience.
• Invent something new that the world needs, and then fund, create, and sell your product in the community.
• Design a game to help students learn important STEM concepts.
• Find a simple way to improve an existing product, especially if it cuts costs or improves environmental sustainability.
• Explore ways to reduce the amount of waste we produce, especially plastic and other landfill-bound items.
• Write a book or graphic novel that’s entertaining but also teaches kids about science or math.
• Devise new ways to provide clean drinking water to communities where water is scarce.
• Build an effective solar oven people can use to cook during extended power outages, or in areas where electricity isn’t available.
• Work with a university or STEM organization to gather, analyze, and present real-world scientific data.
• Design a building to fit a specific purpose or need, including researching the requirements and zoning laws, accurately drafting a plan, determining the costs, and presenting the plan to the proposed client.
• Create an interactive hands-on exhibit to teach people about STEM concepts.
• Determine a type of website you believe is missing, then research, build, and publish the site you envision.

Creative Arts Project-Based Learning Ideas

• Organize an art show for the community, seeking out those who ordinarily might not have a chance to display their work.
• Create and teach an art class in your area of expertise to children, the elderly, or another segment of the population.
• Design a mural for an area in your community that needs beautification, and seek funding or other assistance from community members to install it.
• Write a play about a topic that’s meaningful to you or your community. Work with the community to stage a performance for all to attend.
• Invite local dancers to perform at a school or community Festival of Dance, highlighting a variety of cultures and dance styles.
• Start a regular writer’s workshop where community writers can come together to share and seek feedback. Invite local authors or publishing experts to speak as guests.
• Collect stories, poems, and essays from local authors, and put them together into a book. Sell the book to raise money for a cause that’s important to local writers.
• Gather singers or instrumentalists from your community into a choir or band. Put on a concert to raise money for a special cause, or take your choir on tour to local retirement homes, hospitals, etc.
• Write a song about a person or cause that’s important to you. Produce and record the song, then find a way to share it with others.
• Make a short film about a local hero, community event, or local place. Invite others to do the same, and organize a local film festival.

What are some your favorite project-based learning ideas? Come share your thoughts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus, meaningful service learning projects for kids and teens ..

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7 Science Fair Projects that Solve Problems

• August 5, 2023

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Science fair projects that solve problems are a great way for students to test their interest and aptitude for a career in STEM (science-technology-engineering-math). But they shouldn’t choose just any old topic. To make the most of the opportunity, try to focus on projects with real-world applications. This will give them hands-on experience directly related to a good-paying job field, like  engineering .

With planning and hard work, the right science fair project might bump up a student’s chances for a scholarship or a trip to one of the science competitions sponsored by the Society for Science .

Do your students need help sketching the experimental set-up for a science fair presentation? Check out these resources:

• No-Prep Worksheets – How to Draw like an Engineer and Isometric Drawing
• 3D Isometric Drawing and Design for Middle School
• My Engineering Draw & Write Journal for Kids : 48 Fun Drawing and Writing Prompts to Learn about the Engineering Design Process.

Don’t get me wrong — creating foaming volcanoes or diagramming the human circulatory system are fun and classic ideas for a science fair project. But unless your student plans to go to med school or major in geology, these typical projects won’t do much to advance his or her future career. Far more practical engineering jobs will be available in the 21st century.

In this post you’ll find seven problem-solving science fair projects gleaned from the Education.com website. They provide simple, but realistic, introductions to real-world careers in electronics, robotics & automation, and construction engineering.

For more help with choosing a science fair topic, setting up your experiment, collecting and analyzing the data, and presenting your results, visit NASA’s video page on How to do a Science Fair Project .

Solving problems in Smart Technology

Consider the hottest topic in industry today – Smart Manufacturing, or Industry 4.0, sometimes called the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). Industry 4.0 is just one facet of the global push towards Smart Cities, Smart Homes, and Smart Agriculture.

All these concepts center on wireless connectivity between machines using cellular networks. So, for Smart Homes, this means your utilities, fridge, lights, security, HVAC, and other systems would be connected through an app on your smartphone. From there you can track and control these systems to keep your home safe and comfortable, while reducing water and energy use.

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For Industry 4.0, companies are connecting the machines used in their manufacturing and power generation plants at different locations around the world. On top of that, they are creating “digital twins” of each machine, which are 3D animated computer models of the machines.

The idea is to collect real-time data from each machine and then use that data, along with artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, and even virtual reality simulations, to:

• Design new products
• Predict when a machine will need maintenance BEFORE something goes wrong
• Optimize the output of the machines and harmonize them to work together

Solving problems in Robotics

Another major topic in industry is  robotics and automation . Automation means that machines are programmed to perform tasks without human help. Some robots are standalone, “service” robots, like the Roomba. Others, like robotic arms in factories and warehouses, pick and place items to be processed.

The more human-friendly “collaborative” robots can improve human capacity and are safe to work around. Put together, these technologies allow some manufacturing plants to run “lights out,” without any human input for days.

Robots are boosting agriculture, both in planting and harvesting fields and in packaging food. With Smart Agriculture technology, farmers collect data in their fields with mobile apps applying artificial intelligence (AI) software to reduce fertilizer needs and optimize water use.

Help students sketch their experimental set-up for science fair presentations with these resources: No-Prep Worksheets – How to Draw like an Engineer and Isometric Drawing 3D Isometric Drawing and Design for Middle School My Engineering Draw & Write Journal for Kids : 48 Fun Drawing and Writing Prompts to Learn about the Engineering Design Process.

Solving Engineering Problems

Most science fair projects on the internet seem to focus on the basic sciences, like biology and chemistry. But in light of the skills gap we are now experiencing between the available job force and manufacturing industry requirements, I believe engineering-focused science fair projects that solve problems in Industry 4.0, robotics, automation, and construction may be better choices for building up tomorrow’s workforce.

Here are 7 science fair project ideas that focus on solving problems:

1. cell phone dead zones science fair project.

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/cell-phone-dead-zones/

Students learn how wireless networks work, find dead zones where wireless signals are lost, and determine ways to reduce these zones – important preparation for students who hope to work on Smart Homes, Smart Factories, Smart Cities, or Smart Agriculture.

2. App development science fair project

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/iphone-application-design/

An app on a phone or tablet can be an interactive game, a navigational device, a business software package, or just about anything else you can imagine. This project allows you to get a head start in the growing app design field by designing your own app for popular smartphones.

3. Smoke detector science fair project

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/smoke-detectors-working/?source=related_materials&order=2

Sensors of all kinds solve problems for smart technologies and robotics engineering. Sensors can detect motion, gases, light, heat, and other changes in the environment to allow robots to avoid collisions or Smart Homes to detect a fire, for example. This project compares the effectiveness of two types of sensors in a smoke detector.

4. Faraday’s experiment science fair project

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/faraday-experiment-current-generated-magnet/

Electric currents create their own magnetic fields, and the movement of magnets induces , or creates, current in a wire. Motors and generators use magnetic movement to create current and send electricity to do useful work to power machines. In this lab, you will recreate Michael Faraday’s famous experiment by building a solenoid  (a coil of wire) and experiment with moving magnets to produce current.

5 & 6. EMFs science fair projects

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/smart-card-electromagnetic-fields/

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/EMF-affect-us/

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an electronic technology used in credit cards, ID Cards, and theft prevention systems, as well as in manufacturing, warehousing and shipping products. The first project measures the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) given off by various RFID transmitters, which may have harmful effects on people. The second project looks directly at how EMFs can affect us physically.

7. Rust prevention science fair project

https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/bust-that-rust/

Metals rust, and that can be a big problem when it comes to bridges, buildings, cars, and any object exposed to air and water. This project examines the process of oxidation (not just rust) that ultimately breaks down every physical object and looks at ways to prevent that from happening.

For more problem-solving science fair project ideas, follow the STEM-Inspirations Science Fair Projects board on Pinterest.

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50+ Design Thinking Project Ideas for Engineering Students

Engineering students often find themselves grappling with complex technical problems and equations. While these are fundamental to their education, they might miss out on a crucial aspect of innovation and problem-solving—design thinking. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and collaboration. It’s not just for designers; it’s a mindset that can benefit engineers and technologists too. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of design thinking project ideas for engineering students, its benefits, key principles, and some exciting project ideas to get you started.

The Benefits of Design Thinking Projects For Engineering Students

Table of Contents

Design thinking offers several advantages, and engineering students can leverage these benefits to enhance their skill set and improve their approach to problem-solving.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Design thinking projects help students tackle real-world problems. These experiences develop their problem-solving abilities, a valuable skill in any engineering discipline.
• Creativity and Innovation: By encouraging students to think outside the box, design thinking fosters creativity and innovation. Engineering students often need to devise novel solutions to complex problems, and design thinking equips them with the tools to do just that.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Many engineering projects are team-based, and design thinking promotes collaboration. Working with peers from different backgrounds can lead to diverse and innovative solutions.
• User-Centric Approach: Design thinking places the end-user at the center of the design process. This ensures that the final product or solution meets the needs and expectations of the people it’s intended for, improving the chances of success.

Key Principles of Design Thinking

Design thinking consists of several key principles, which serve as a framework for problem-solving and innovation:

• Empathize: The first step involves understanding the needs and perspectives of the end-users. Students can conduct interviews, surveys, and observations to gain empathy for the people they are designing for.
• Define: In this phase, the problem is precisely defined. What is the issue that needs to be addressed? What are the project goals, and what are the constraints?
• Ideate: This stage is all about brainstorming and generating creative ideas. Encourage students to think freely and explore as many possibilities as they can.
• Prototype: Create a physical or digital representation of the idea. Prototypes allow students to test their concepts and identify strengths and weaknesses early in the design process.
• Test: The final phase involves obtaining feedback from users and stakeholders. Iterate on the design based on the feedback received, and continue testing until the solution is refined and perfected.

50+ Design Thinking Project Ideas For Engineering Students

Now that you understand the principles of design thinking, let’s explore some exciting project ideas for engineering students:

Mechanical Engineering

• Redesign a bicycle for better urban mobility.
• Create a sustainable packaging solution for consumer products.
• Develop a modular furniture system for small spaces.
• Design a more efficient water pump for rural areas.
• Improve safety features for motorcycle helmets.
• Create a new type of ergonomic office chair.

Electrical Engineering

• Design a smart home automation system.
• Develop a low-cost solar-powered phone charger.
• Create a wearable health monitoring device.
• Design an energy-efficient LED lighting system.
• Develop a smart grid system for efficient energy management.
• Design a home energy management app.

Civil Engineering

• Redesign a city park for better accessibility.
• Develop a sustainable urban drainage system.
• Create a disaster-resistant building design.
• Design a pedestrian-friendly street infrastructure.
• Improve public transportation for a specific city.
• Develop a low-cost housing solution for urban areas.

Computer Science & Software Engineering

• Create an app for reducing food waste.
• Develop a virtual reality-based education platform.
• Design a gamified fitness and health app.
• Create a traffic management system using AI.
• Develop a social networking platform for a specific niche.
• Design a cybersecurity tool to protect against online threats.

Biomedical Engineering

• Develop a low-cost prosthetic limb.
• Design a portable diagnostic medical device.
• Create a medical app for remote patient monitoring.
• Improve the design of assistive devices for the disabled.
• Develop a smart wearable for early disease detection.
• Design a medication adherence tracking system.

Environmental Engineering

• Create a sustainable water purification system.
• Design a waste-to-energy conversion facility.
• Develop a water-saving irrigation system for agriculture.
• Design an eco-friendly transportation network.
• Improve recycling and waste management in a specific city.
• Develop a plastic waste reduction solution.

Aerospace Engineering

• Redesign aircraft interiors for comfort and space efficiency.
• Create a drone for environmental monitoring.
• Design a lightweight, high-speed train system.
• Develop a reusable rocket for space exploration.
• Design a supersonic passenger aircraft.
• Create an innovative spacecraft propulsion system.

Industrial Engineering

• Optimize a manufacturing process for energy efficiency.
• Design a lean and efficient warehouse layout.
• Develop a supply chain optimization tool.
• Create an autonomous robotic assembly line.
• Improve the ergonomics of a specific factory.
• Design a sustainable packaging line for a company.

Materials Science and Engineering

• Develop a new, sustainable material for construction.
• Create a biodegradable alternative to plastic.
• Design a heat-resistant material for high-temperature applications.
• Improve the durability of road pavements.
• Develop a novel material for clean energy storage.
• Design a lightweight material for aerospace applications.

Renewable Energy Engineering

• Create a portable solar power generator.
• Design an efficient wind turbine for urban areas.
• Develop a wave energy harvesting system.
• Design a biomass energy conversion process.
• Improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
• Create a solar-powered water desalination system.

These design thinking project ideas cover a wide range of engineering disciplines, providing opportunities for students to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. 

Students can choose projects based on their interests and expertise, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Successful Case Studies

To inspire students and provide real-world examples of how design thinking can make an impact, you can share case studies of successful design thinking projects in the engineering world. For instance:

• Design Thinking in Product Design: Discuss how companies like Apple, Tesla, or Dyson have integrated design thinking into their product development processes, leading to iconic and innovative products.
• Engineering for Social Impact: Highlight projects where engineers have used design thinking to address social and environmental challenges, such as providing clean drinking water in remote areas or designing low-cost prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing countries.

Tips for Implementing Design Thinking Projects

When implementing design thinking project ideas for engineering students, consider the following tips:

• Form Multidisciplinary Teams: Encourage students to work in multidisciplinary teams to bring diverse perspectives and skills to the project.
• Set Clear Goals: Define the project’s objectives, scope, and desired outcomes from the beginning to provide students with a clear sense of direction.
• Encourage Experimentation: Emphasize the importance of experimentation and risk-taking. Failure can lead to valuable insights and breakthroughs.
• Seek Mentorship: Provide students with access to mentors or advisors who can guide them through the design thinking process and offer expertise in specific technical areas.

Design thinking is not just a concept for designers; it’s a valuable approach for engineering students to tackle complex problems, foster innovation, and create solutions that meet real-world needs. By integrating design thinking principles into their projects, engineering students can become more well-rounded and effective problem-solvers. These design thinking project ideas for engineering students not only enhance their technical skills but also empower them to make a meaningful impact on the world.

So, as an engineering student, don’t hesitate to embrace design thinking. It’s a powerful tool that can transform your approach to problem-solving and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling engineering career.

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35 problem-solving techniques and methods for solving complex problems

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All teams and organizations encounter challenges as they grow. There are problems that might occur for teams when it comes to miscommunication or resolving business-critical issues . You may face challenges around growth , design , user engagement, and even team culture and happiness. In short, problem-solving techniques should be part of every team’s skillset.

Problem-solving methods are primarily designed to help a group or team through a process of first identifying problems and challenges , ideating possible solutions , and then evaluating the most suitable .

Finding effective solutions to complex problems isn’t easy, but by using the right process and techniques, you can help your team be more efficient in the process.

So how do you develop strategies that are engaging, and empower your team to solve problems effectively?

In this blog post, we share a series of problem-solving tools you can use in your next workshop or team meeting. You’ll also find some tips for facilitating the process and how to enable others to solve complex problems.

Let’s get started! 

How do you identify problems?

How do you identify the right solution.

• Tips for more effective problem-solving

Complete problem-solving methods

• Problem-solving techniques to identify and analyze problems
• Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions

Problem-solving warm-up activities

Closing activities for a problem-solving process.

Before you can move towards finding the right solution for a given problem, you first need to identify and define the problem you wish to solve. 

Here, you want to clearly articulate what the problem is and allow your group to do the same. Remember that everyone in a group is likely to have differing perspectives and alignment is necessary in order to help the group move forward. 

Identifying a problem accurately also requires that all members of a group are able to contribute their views in an open and safe manner. It can be scary for people to stand up and contribute, especially if the problems or challenges are emotive or personal in nature. Be sure to try and create a psychologically safe space for these kinds of discussions.

Remember that problem analysis and further discussion are also important. Not taking the time to fully analyze and discuss a challenge can result in the development of solutions that are not fit for purpose or do not address the underlying issue.

Successfully identifying and then analyzing a problem means facilitating a group through activities designed to help them clearly and honestly articulate their thoughts and produce usable insight.

With this data, you might then produce a problem statement that clearly describes the problem you wish to be addressed and also state the goal of any process you undertake to tackle this issue.  

Finding solutions is the end goal of any process. Complex organizational challenges can only be solved with an appropriate solution but discovering them requires using the right problem-solving tool.

After you’ve explored a problem and discussed ideas, you need to help a team discuss and choose the right solution. Consensus tools and methods such as those below help a group explore possible solutions before then voting for the best. They’re a great way to tap into the collective intelligence of the group for great results!

Remember that the process is often iterative. Great problem solvers often roadtest a viable solution in a measured way to see what works too. While you might not get the right solution on your first try, the methods below help teams land on the most likely to succeed solution while also holding space for improvement.

Every effective problem solving process begins with an agenda . A well-structured workshop is one of the best methods for successfully guiding a group from exploring a problem to implementing a solution.

In SessionLab, it’s easy to go from an idea to a complete agenda . Start by dragging and dropping your core problem solving activities into place . Add timings, breaks and necessary materials before sharing your agenda with your colleagues.

The resulting agenda will be your guide to an effective and productive problem solving session that will also help you stay organized on the day!

Tips for more effective problem solving

Problem-solving activities are only one part of the puzzle. While a great method can help unlock your team’s ability to solve problems, without a thoughtful approach and strong facilitation the solutions may not be fit for purpose.

Let’s take a look at some problem-solving tips you can apply to any process to help it be a success!

Clearly define the problem

Jumping straight to solutions can be tempting, though without first clearly articulating a problem, the solution might not be the right one. Many of the problem-solving activities below include sections where the problem is explored and clearly defined before moving on.

This is a vital part of the problem-solving process and taking the time to fully define an issue can save time and effort later. A clear definition helps identify irrelevant information and it also ensures that your team sets off on the right track.

Don’t jump to conclusions

It’s easy for groups to exhibit cognitive bias or have preconceived ideas about both problems and potential solutions. Be sure to back up any problem statements or potential solutions with facts, research, and adequate forethought.

The best techniques ask participants to be methodical and challenge preconceived notions. Make sure you give the group enough time and space to collect relevant information and consider the problem in a new way. By approaching the process with a clear, rational mindset, you’ll often find that better solutions are more forthcoming.  

Try different approaches  

Problems come in all shapes and sizes and so too should the methods you use to solve them. If you find that one approach isn’t yielding results and your team isn’t finding different solutions, try mixing it up. You’ll be surprised at how using a new creative activity can unblock your team and generate great solutions.

Don’t take it personally 

Depending on the nature of your team or organizational problems, it’s easy for conversations to get heated. While it’s good for participants to be engaged in the discussions, ensure that emotions don’t run too high and that blame isn’t thrown around while finding solutions.

You’re all in it together, and even if your team or area is seeing problems, that isn’t necessarily a disparagement of you personally. Using facilitation skills to manage group dynamics is one effective method of helping conversations be more constructive.

Get the right people in the room

Your problem-solving method is often only as effective as the group using it. Getting the right people on the job and managing the number of people present is important too!

If the group is too small, you may not get enough different perspectives to effectively solve a problem. If the group is too large, you can go round and round during the ideation stages.

Creating the right group makeup is also important in ensuring you have the necessary expertise and skillset to both identify and follow up on potential solutions. Carefully consider who to include at each stage to help ensure your problem-solving method is followed and positioned for success.

Document everything

The best solutions can take refinement, iteration, and reflection to come out. Get into a habit of documenting your process in order to keep all the learnings from the session and to allow ideas to mature and develop. Many of the methods below involve the creation of documents or shared resources. Be sure to keep and share these so everyone can benefit from the work done!

Bring a facilitator 

Facilitation is all about making group processes easier. With a subject as potentially emotive and important as problem-solving, having an impartial third party in the form of a facilitator can make all the difference in finding great solutions and keeping the process moving. Consider bringing a facilitator to your problem-solving session to get better results and generate meaningful solutions!

Develop your problem-solving skills

It takes time and practice to be an effective problem solver. While some roles or participants might more naturally gravitate towards problem-solving, it can take development and planning to help everyone create better solutions.

You might develop a training program, run a problem-solving workshop or simply ask your team to practice using the techniques below. Check out our post on problem-solving skills to see how you and your group can develop the right mental process and be more resilient to issues too!

Design a great agenda

Workshops are a great format for solving problems. With the right approach, you can focus a group and help them find the solutions to their own problems. But designing a process can be time-consuming and finding the right activities can be difficult.

Check out our workshop planning guide to level-up your agenda design and start running more effective workshops. Need inspiration? Check out templates designed by expert facilitators to help you kickstart your process!

In this section, we’ll look at in-depth problem-solving methods that provide a complete end-to-end process for developing effective solutions. These will help guide your team from the discovery and definition of a problem through to delivering the right solution.

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing method or problem-solving model, these processes are a great place to start. They’ll ask your team to challenge preconceived ideas and adopt a mindset for solving problems more effectively.

• Six Thinking Hats
• Lightning Decision Jam
• Problem Definition Process
• Discovery & Action Dialogue

Design Sprint 2.0

• Open Space Technology

1. Six Thinking Hats

Individual approaches to solving a problem can be very different based on what team or role an individual holds. It can be easy for existing biases or perspectives to find their way into the mix, or for internal politics to direct a conversation.

Six Thinking Hats is a classic method for identifying the problems that need to be solved and enables your team to consider them from different angles, whether that is by focusing on facts and data, creative solutions, or by considering why a particular solution might not work.

Like all problem-solving frameworks, Six Thinking Hats is effective at helping teams remove roadblocks from a conversation or discussion and come to terms with all the aspects necessary to solve complex problems.

2. Lightning Decision Jam

Featured courtesy of Jonathan Courtney of AJ&Smart Berlin, Lightning Decision Jam is one of those strategies that should be in every facilitation toolbox. Exploring problems and finding solutions is often creative in nature, though as with any creative process, there is the potential to lose focus and get lost.

Unstructured discussions might get you there in the end, but it’s much more effective to use a method that creates a clear process and team focus.

In Lightning Decision Jam, participants are invited to begin by writing challenges, concerns, or mistakes on post-its without discussing them before then being invited by the moderator to present them to the group.

From there, the team vote on which problems to solve and are guided through steps that will allow them to reframe those problems, create solutions and then decide what to execute on. 

By deciding the problems that need to be solved as a team before moving on, this group process is great for ensuring the whole team is aligned and can take ownership over the next stages. 

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

3. Problem Definition Process

While problems can be complex, the problem-solving methods you use to identify and solve those problems can often be simple in design. 

By taking the time to truly identify and define a problem before asking the group to reframe the challenge as an opportunity, this method is a great way to enable change.

Begin by identifying a focus question and exploring the ways in which it manifests before splitting into five teams who will each consider the problem using a different method: escape, reversal, exaggeration, distortion or wishful. Teams develop a problem objective and create ideas in line with their method before then feeding them back to the group.

This method is great for enabling in-depth discussions while also creating space for finding creative solutions too!

Problem Definition   #problem solving   #idea generation   #creativity   #online   #remote-friendly   A problem solving technique to define a problem, challenge or opportunity and to generate ideas.

4. The 5 Whys 

Sometimes, a group needs to go further with their strategies and analyze the root cause at the heart of organizational issues. An RCA or root cause analysis is the process of identifying what is at the heart of business problems or recurring challenges. 

The 5 Whys is a simple and effective method of helping a group go find the root cause of any problem or challenge and conduct analysis that will deliver results. 

By beginning with the creation of a problem statement and going through five stages to refine it, The 5 Whys provides everything you need to truly discover the cause of an issue.

The 5 Whys   #hyperisland   #innovation   This simple and powerful method is useful for getting to the core of a problem or challenge. As the title suggests, the group defines a problems, then asks the question “why” five times, often using the resulting explanation as a starting point for creative problem solving.

5. World Cafe

World Cafe is a simple but powerful facilitation technique to help bigger groups to focus their energy and attention on solving complex problems.

World Cafe enables this approach by creating a relaxed atmosphere where participants are able to self-organize and explore topics relevant and important to them which are themed around a central problem-solving purpose. Create the right atmosphere by modeling your space after a cafe and after guiding the group through the method, let them take the lead!

Making problem-solving a part of your organization’s culture in the long term can be a difficult undertaking. More approachable formats like World Cafe can be especially effective in bringing people unfamiliar with workshops into the fold. 

World Cafe   #hyperisland   #innovation   #issue analysis   World Café is a simple yet powerful method, originated by Juanita Brown, for enabling meaningful conversations driven completely by participants and the topics that are relevant and important to them. Facilitators create a cafe-style space and provide simple guidelines. Participants then self-organize and explore a set of relevant topics or questions for conversation.

6. Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)

One of the best approaches is to create a safe space for a group to share and discover practices and behaviors that can help them find their own solutions.

With DAD, you can help a group choose which problems they wish to solve and which approaches they will take to do so. It’s great at helping remove resistance to change and can help get buy-in at every level too!

This process of enabling frontline ownership is great in ensuring follow-through and is one of the methods you will want in your toolbox as a facilitator.

Discovery & Action Dialogue (DAD)   #idea generation   #liberating structures   #action   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   DADs make it easy for a group or community to discover practices and behaviors that enable some individuals (without access to special resources and facing the same constraints) to find better solutions than their peers to common problems. These are called positive deviant (PD) behaviors and practices. DADs make it possible for people in the group, unit, or community to discover by themselves these PD practices. DADs also create favorable conditions for stimulating participants’ creativity in spaces where they can feel safe to invent new and more effective practices. Resistance to change evaporates as participants are unleashed to choose freely which practices they will adopt or try and which problems they will tackle. DADs make it possible to achieve frontline ownership of solutions.

7. Design Sprint 2.0

Want to see how a team can solve big problems and move forward with prototyping and testing solutions in a few days? The Design Sprint 2.0 template from Jake Knapp, author of Sprint, is a complete agenda for a with proven results.

Developing the right agenda can involve difficult but necessary planning. Ensuring all the correct steps are followed can also be stressful or time-consuming depending on your level of experience.

Use this complete 4-day workshop template if you are finding there is no obvious solution to your challenge and want to focus your team around a specific problem that might require a shortcut to launching a minimum viable product or waiting for the organization-wide implementation of a solution.

8. Open space technology

Open space technology- developed by Harrison Owen – creates a space where large groups are invited to take ownership of their problem solving and lead individual sessions. Open space technology is a great format when you have a great deal of expertise and insight in the room and want to allow for different takes and approaches on a particular theme or problem you need to be solved.

Start by bringing your participants together to align around a central theme and focus their efforts. Explain the ground rules to help guide the problem-solving process and then invite members to identify any issue connecting to the central theme that they are interested in and are prepared to take responsibility for.

Once participants have decided on their approach to the core theme, they write their issue on a piece of paper, announce it to the group, pick a session time and place, and post the paper on the wall. As the wall fills up with sessions, the group is then invited to join the sessions that interest them the most and which they can contribute to, then you’re ready to begin!

Everyone joins the problem-solving group they’ve signed up to, record the discussion and if appropriate, findings can then be shared with the rest of the group afterward.

Open Space Technology   #action plan   #idea generation   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #large group   #online   #remote-friendly   Open Space is a methodology for large groups to create their agenda discerning important topics for discussion, suitable for conferences, community gatherings and whole system facilitation

Techniques to identify and analyze problems

Using a problem-solving method to help a team identify and analyze a problem can be a quick and effective addition to any workshop or meeting.

While further actions are always necessary, you can generate momentum and alignment easily, and these activities are a great place to get started.

We’ve put together this list of techniques to help you and your team with problem identification, analysis, and discussion that sets the foundation for developing effective solutions.

Let’s take a look!

• The Creativity Dice
• Fishbone Analysis
• Problem Tree
• SWOT Analysis
• Agreement-Certainty Matrix
• The Journalistic Six
• LEGO Challenge
• What, So What, Now What?
• Journalists

Individual and group perspectives are incredibly important, but what happens if people are set in their minds and need a change of perspective in order to approach a problem more effectively?

Flip It is a method we love because it is both simple to understand and run, and allows groups to understand how their perspectives and biases are formed. 

Participants in Flip It are first invited to consider concerns, issues, or problems from a perspective of fear and write them on a flip chart. Then, the group is asked to consider those same issues from a perspective of hope and flip their understanding.  

No problem and solution is free from existing bias and by changing perspectives with Flip It, you can then develop a problem solving model quickly and effectively.

Flip It!   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Often, a change in a problem or situation comes simply from a change in our perspectives. Flip It! is a quick game designed to show players that perspectives are made, not born.

10. The Creativity Dice

One of the most useful problem solving skills you can teach your team is of approaching challenges with creativity, flexibility, and openness. Games like The Creativity Dice allow teams to overcome the potential hurdle of too much linear thinking and approach the process with a sense of fun and speed. 

In The Creativity Dice, participants are organized around a topic and roll a dice to determine what they will work on for a period of 3 minutes at a time. They might roll a 3 and work on investigating factual information on the chosen topic. They might roll a 1 and work on identifying the specific goals, standards, or criteria for the session.

Encouraging rapid work and iteration while asking participants to be flexible are great skills to cultivate. Having a stage for idea incubation in this game is also important. Moments of pause can help ensure the ideas that are put forward are the most suitable. 

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

11. Fishbone Analysis

Organizational or team challenges are rarely simple, and it’s important to remember that one problem can be an indication of something that goes deeper and may require further consideration to be solved.

Fishbone Analysis helps groups to dig deeper and understand the origins of a problem. It’s a great example of a root cause analysis method that is simple for everyone on a team to get their head around. 

Participants in this activity are asked to annotate a diagram of a fish, first adding the problem or issue to be worked on at the head of a fish before then brainstorming the root causes of the problem and adding them as bones on the fish. 

Using abstractions such as a diagram of a fish can really help a team break out of their regular thinking and develop a creative approach.

Fishbone Analysis   #problem solving   ##root cause analysis   #decision making   #online facilitation   A process to help identify and understand the origins of problems, issues or observations.

12. Problem Tree 

Encouraging visual thinking can be an essential part of many strategies. By simply reframing and clarifying problems, a group can move towards developing a problem solving model that works for them. 

In Problem Tree, groups are asked to first brainstorm a list of problems – these can be design problems, team problems or larger business problems – and then organize them into a hierarchy. The hierarchy could be from most important to least important or abstract to practical, though the key thing with problem solving games that involve this aspect is that your group has some way of managing and sorting all the issues that are raised.

Once you have a list of problems that need to be solved and have organized them accordingly, you’re then well-positioned for the next problem solving steps.

Problem tree   #define intentions   #create   #design   #issue analysis   A problem tree is a tool to clarify the hierarchy of problems addressed by the team within a design project; it represents high level problems or related sublevel problems.

13. SWOT Analysis

Chances are you’ve heard of the SWOT Analysis before. This problem-solving method focuses on identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is a tried and tested method for both individuals and teams.

Start by creating a desired end state or outcome and bare this in mind – any process solving model is made more effective by knowing what you are moving towards. Create a quadrant made up of the four categories of a SWOT analysis and ask participants to generate ideas based on each of those quadrants.

Once you have those ideas assembled in their quadrants, cluster them together based on their affinity with other ideas. These clusters are then used to facilitate group conversations and move things forward. 

SWOT analysis   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   #meeting facilitation   The SWOT Analysis is a long-standing technique of looking at what we have, with respect to the desired end state, as well as what we could improve on. It gives us an opportunity to gauge approaching opportunities and dangers, and assess the seriousness of the conditions that affect our future. When we understand those conditions, we can influence what comes next.

14. Agreement-Certainty Matrix

Not every problem-solving approach is right for every challenge, and deciding on the right method for the challenge at hand is a key part of being an effective team.

The Agreement Certainty matrix helps teams align on the nature of the challenges facing them. By sorting problems from simple to chaotic, your team can understand what methods are suitable for each problem and what they can do to ensure effective results. 

If you are already using Liberating Structures techniques as part of your problem-solving strategy, the Agreement-Certainty Matrix can be an invaluable addition to your process. We’ve found it particularly if you are having issues with recurring problems in your organization and want to go deeper in understanding the root cause. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Organizing and charting a team’s progress can be important in ensuring its success. SQUID (Sequential Question and Insight Diagram) is a great model that allows a team to effectively switch between giving questions and answers and develop the skills they need to stay on track throughout the process. 

Begin with two different colored sticky notes – one for questions and one for answers – and with your central topic (the head of the squid) on the board. Ask the group to first come up with a series of questions connected to their best guess of how to approach the topic. Ask the group to come up with answers to those questions, fix them to the board and connect them with a line. After some discussion, go back to question mode by responding to the generated answers or other points on the board.

It’s rewarding to see a diagram grow throughout the exercise, and a completed SQUID can provide a visual resource for future effort and as an example for other teams.

SQUID   #gamestorming   #project planning   #issue analysis   #problem solving   When exploring an information space, it’s important for a group to know where they are at any given time. By using SQUID, a group charts out the territory as they go and can navigate accordingly. SQUID stands for Sequential Question and Insight Diagram.

16. Speed Boat

To continue with our nautical theme, Speed Boat is a short and sweet activity that can help a team quickly identify what employees, clients or service users might have a problem with and analyze what might be standing in the way of achieving a solution.

Methods that allow for a group to make observations, have insights and obtain those eureka moments quickly are invaluable when trying to solve complex problems.

In Speed Boat, the approach is to first consider what anchors and challenges might be holding an organization (or boat) back. Bonus points if you are able to identify any sharks in the water and develop ideas that can also deal with competitors!   

Speed Boat   #gamestorming   #problem solving   #action   Speedboat is a short and sweet way to identify what your employees or clients don’t like about your product/service or what’s standing in the way of a desired goal.

17. The Journalistic Six

Some of the most effective ways of solving problems is by encouraging teams to be more inclusive and diverse in their thinking.

Based on the six key questions journalism students are taught to answer in articles and news stories, The Journalistic Six helps create teams to see the whole picture. By using who, what, when, where, why, and how to facilitate the conversation and encourage creative thinking, your team can make sure that the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the are covered exhaustively and thoughtfully. Reporter’s notebook and dictaphone optional.

The Journalistic Six – Who What When Where Why How   #idea generation   #issue analysis   #problem solving   #online   #creative thinking   #remote-friendly   A questioning method for generating, explaining, investigating ideas.

18. LEGO Challenge

Now for an activity that is a little out of the (toy) box. LEGO Serious Play is a facilitation methodology that can be used to improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 

The LEGO Challenge includes giving each member of the team an assignment that is hidden from the rest of the group while they create a structure without speaking.

What the LEGO challenge brings to the table is a fun working example of working with stakeholders who might not be on the same page to solve problems. Also, it’s LEGO! Who doesn’t love LEGO! 

LEGO Challenge   #hyperisland   #team   A team-building activity in which groups must work together to build a structure out of LEGO, but each individual has a secret “assignment” which makes the collaborative process more challenging. It emphasizes group communication, leadership dynamics, conflict, cooperation, patience and problem solving strategy.

19. What, So What, Now What?

If not carefully managed, the problem identification and problem analysis stages of the problem-solving process can actually create more problems and misunderstandings.

The What, So What, Now What? problem-solving activity is designed to help collect insights and move forward while also eliminating the possibility of disagreement when it comes to identifying, clarifying, and analyzing organizational or work problems. 

Facilitation is all about bringing groups together so that might work on a shared goal and the best problem-solving strategies ensure that teams are aligned in purpose, if not initially in opinion or insight.

Throughout the three steps of this game, you give everyone on a team to reflect on a problem by asking what happened, why it is important, and what actions should then be taken. 

This can be a great activity for bringing our individual perceptions about a problem or challenge and contextualizing it in a larger group setting. This is one of the most important problem-solving skills you can bring to your organization.

W³ – What, So What, Now What?   #issue analysis   #innovation   #liberating structures   You can help groups reflect on a shared experience in a way that builds understanding and spurs coordinated action while avoiding unproductive conflict. It is possible for every voice to be heard while simultaneously sifting for insights and shaping new direction. Progressing in stages makes this practical—from collecting facts about What Happened to making sense of these facts with So What and finally to what actions logically follow with Now What . The shared progression eliminates most of the misunderstandings that otherwise fuel disagreements about what to do. Voila!

20. Journalists  

Problem analysis can be one of the most important and decisive stages of all problem-solving tools. Sometimes, a team can become bogged down in the details and are unable to move forward.

Journalists is an activity that can avoid a group from getting stuck in the problem identification or problem analysis stages of the process.

In Journalists, the group is invited to draft the front page of a fictional newspaper and figure out what stories deserve to be on the cover and what headlines those stories will have. By reframing how your problems and challenges are approached, you can help a team move productively through the process and be better prepared for the steps to follow.

Journalists   #vision   #big picture   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   This is an exercise to use when the group gets stuck in details and struggles to see the big picture. Also good for defining a vision.

Problem-solving techniques for developing solutions 

The success of any problem-solving process can be measured by the solutions it produces. After you’ve defined the issue, explored existing ideas, and ideated, it’s time to narrow down to the correct solution.

Use these problem-solving techniques when you want to help your team find consensus, compare possible solutions, and move towards taking action on a particular problem.

• Improved Solutions
• Four-Step Sketch
• 15% Solutions
• How-Now-Wow matrix
• Impact Effort Matrix

21. Mindspin  

Brainstorming is part of the bread and butter of the problem-solving process and all problem-solving strategies benefit from getting ideas out and challenging a team to generate solutions quickly. 

With Mindspin, participants are encouraged not only to generate ideas but to do so under time constraints and by slamming down cards and passing them on. By doing multiple rounds, your team can begin with a free generation of possible solutions before moving on to developing those solutions and encouraging further ideation. 

This is one of our favorite problem-solving activities and can be great for keeping the energy up throughout the workshop. Remember the importance of helping people become engaged in the process – energizing problem-solving techniques like Mindspin can help ensure your team stays engaged and happy, even when the problems they’re coming together to solve are complex. 

MindSpin   #teampedia   #idea generation   #problem solving   #action   A fast and loud method to enhance brainstorming within a team. Since this activity has more than round ideas that are repetitive can be ruled out leaving more creative and innovative answers to the challenge.

22. Improved Solutions

After a team has successfully identified a problem and come up with a few solutions, it can be tempting to call the work of the problem-solving process complete. That said, the first solution is not necessarily the best, and by including a further review and reflection activity into your problem-solving model, you can ensure your group reaches the best possible result. 

One of a number of problem-solving games from Thiagi Group, Improved Solutions helps you go the extra mile and develop suggested solutions with close consideration and peer review. By supporting the discussion of several problems at once and by shifting team roles throughout, this problem-solving technique is a dynamic way of finding the best solution. 

Improved Solutions   #creativity   #thiagi   #problem solving   #action   #team   You can improve any solution by objectively reviewing its strengths and weaknesses and making suitable adjustments. In this creativity framegame, you improve the solutions to several problems. To maintain objective detachment, you deal with a different problem during each of six rounds and assume different roles (problem owner, consultant, basher, booster, enhancer, and evaluator) during each round. At the conclusion of the activity, each player ends up with two solutions to her problem.

23. Four Step Sketch

Creative thinking and visual ideation does not need to be confined to the opening stages of your problem-solving strategies. Exercises that include sketching and prototyping on paper can be effective at the solution finding and development stage of the process, and can be great for keeping a team engaged. 

By going from simple notes to a crazy 8s round that involves rapidly sketching 8 variations on their ideas before then producing a final solution sketch, the group is able to iterate quickly and visually. Problem-solving techniques like Four-Step Sketch are great if you have a group of different thinkers and want to change things up from a more textual or discussion-based approach.

Four-Step Sketch   #design sprint   #innovation   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   The four-step sketch is an exercise that helps people to create well-formed concepts through a structured process that includes: Review key information Start design work on paper,  Consider multiple variations , Create a detailed solution . This exercise is preceded by a set of other activities allowing the group to clarify the challenge they want to solve. See how the Four Step Sketch exercise fits into a Design Sprint

24. 15% Solutions

Some problems are simpler than others and with the right problem-solving activities, you can empower people to take immediate actions that can help create organizational change. 

Part of the liberating structures toolkit, 15% solutions is a problem-solving technique that focuses on finding and implementing solutions quickly. A process of iterating and making small changes quickly can help generate momentum and an appetite for solving complex problems.

Problem-solving strategies can live and die on whether people are onboard. Getting some quick wins is a great way of getting people behind the process.   

It can be extremely empowering for a team to realize that problem-solving techniques can be deployed quickly and easily and delineate between things they can positively impact and those things they cannot change. 

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

25. How-Now-Wow Matrix

The problem-solving process is often creative, as complex problems usually require a change of thinking and creative response in order to find the best solutions. While it’s common for the first stages to encourage creative thinking, groups can often gravitate to familiar solutions when it comes to the end of the process. 

When selecting solutions, you don’t want to lose your creative energy! The How-Now-Wow Matrix from Gamestorming is a great problem-solving activity that enables a group to stay creative and think out of the box when it comes to selecting the right solution for a given problem.

Problem-solving techniques that encourage creative thinking and the ideation and selection of new solutions can be the most effective in organisational change. Give the How-Now-Wow Matrix a go, and not just for how pleasant it is to say out loud. 

How-Now-Wow Matrix   #gamestorming   #idea generation   #remote-friendly   When people want to develop new ideas, they most often think out of the box in the brainstorming or divergent phase. However, when it comes to convergence, people often end up picking ideas that are most familiar to them. This is called a ‘creative paradox’ or a ‘creadox’. The How-Now-Wow matrix is an idea selection tool that breaks the creadox by forcing people to weigh each idea on 2 parameters.

26. Impact and Effort Matrix

All problem-solving techniques hope to not only find solutions to a given problem or challenge but to find the best solution. When it comes to finding a solution, groups are invited to put on their decision-making hats and really think about how a proposed idea would work in practice. 

The Impact and Effort Matrix is one of the problem-solving techniques that fall into this camp, empowering participants to first generate ideas and then categorize them into a 2×2 matrix based on impact and effort.

Activities that invite critical thinking while remaining simple are invaluable. Use the Impact and Effort Matrix to move from ideation and towards evaluating potential solutions before then committing to them. 

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

27. Dotmocracy

If you’ve followed each of the problem-solving steps with your group successfully, you should move towards the end of your process with heaps of possible solutions developed with a specific problem in mind. But how do you help a group go from ideation to putting a solution into action? 

Dotmocracy – or Dot Voting -is a tried and tested method of helping a team in the problem-solving process make decisions and put actions in place with a degree of oversight and consensus. 

One of the problem-solving techniques that should be in every facilitator’s toolbox, Dot Voting is fast and effective and can help identify the most popular and best solutions and help bring a group to a decision effectively. 

Dotmocracy   #action   #decision making   #group prioritization   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Dotmocracy is a simple method for group prioritization or decision-making. It is not an activity on its own, but a method to use in processes where prioritization or decision-making is the aim. The method supports a group to quickly see which options are most popular or relevant. The options or ideas are written on post-its and stuck up on a wall for the whole group to see. Each person votes for the options they think are the strongest, and that information is used to inform a decision.

All facilitators know that warm-ups and icebreakers are useful for any workshop or group process. Problem-solving workshops are no different.

Use these problem-solving techniques to warm up a group and prepare them for the rest of the process. Activating your group by tapping into some of the top problem-solving skills can be one of the best ways to see great outcomes from your session.

• Check-in/Check-out
• Doodling Together
• Show and Tell
• Constellations
• Draw a Tree

28. Check-in / Check-out

Solid processes are planned from beginning to end, and the best facilitators know that setting the tone and establishing a safe, open environment can be integral to a successful problem-solving process.

Check-in / Check-out is a great way to begin and/or bookend a problem-solving workshop. Checking in to a session emphasizes that everyone will be seen, heard, and expected to contribute. 

If you are running a series of meetings, setting a consistent pattern of checking in and checking out can really help your team get into a groove. We recommend this opening-closing activity for small to medium-sized groups though it can work with large groups if they’re disciplined!

Check-in / Check-out   #team   #opening   #closing   #hyperisland   #remote-friendly   Either checking-in or checking-out is a simple way for a team to open or close a process, symbolically and in a collaborative way. Checking-in/out invites each member in a group to be present, seen and heard, and to express a reflection or a feeling. Checking-in emphasizes presence, focus and group commitment; checking-out emphasizes reflection and symbolic closure.

29. Doodling Together  

Thinking creatively and not being afraid to make suggestions are important problem-solving skills for any group or team, and warming up by encouraging these behaviors is a great way to start. 

Doodling Together is one of our favorite creative ice breaker games – it’s quick, effective, and fun and can make all following problem-solving steps easier by encouraging a group to collaborate visually. By passing cards and adding additional items as they go, the workshop group gets into a groove of co-creation and idea development that is crucial to finding solutions to problems. 

Doodling Together   #collaboration   #creativity   #teamwork   #fun   #team   #visual methods   #energiser   #icebreaker   #remote-friendly   Create wild, weird and often funny postcards together & establish a group’s creative confidence.

30. Show and Tell

You might remember some version of Show and Tell from being a kid in school and it’s a great problem-solving activity to kick off a session.

Asking participants to prepare a little something before a workshop by bringing an object for show and tell can help them warm up before the session has even begun! Games that include a physical object can also help encourage early engagement before moving onto more big-picture thinking.

By asking your participants to tell stories about why they chose to bring a particular item to the group, you can help teams see things from new perspectives and see both differences and similarities in the way they approach a topic. Great groundwork for approaching a problem-solving process as a team! 

Show and Tell   #gamestorming   #action   #opening   #meeting facilitation   Show and Tell taps into the power of metaphors to reveal players’ underlying assumptions and associations around a topic The aim of the game is to get a deeper understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives on anything—a new project, an organizational restructuring, a shift in the company’s vision or team dynamic.

31. Constellations

Who doesn’t love stars? Constellations is a great warm-up activity for any workshop as it gets people up off their feet, energized, and ready to engage in new ways with established topics. It’s also great for showing existing beliefs, biases, and patterns that can come into play as part of your session.

Using warm-up games that help build trust and connection while also allowing for non-verbal responses can be great for easing people into the problem-solving process and encouraging engagement from everyone in the group. Constellations is great in large spaces that allow for movement and is definitely a practical exercise to allow the group to see patterns that are otherwise invisible. 

Constellations   #trust   #connection   #opening   #coaching   #patterns   #system   Individuals express their response to a statement or idea by standing closer or further from a central object. Used with teams to reveal system, hidden patterns, perspectives.

32. Draw a Tree

Problem-solving games that help raise group awareness through a central, unifying metaphor can be effective ways to warm-up a group in any problem-solving model.

Draw a Tree is a simple warm-up activity you can use in any group and which can provide a quick jolt of energy. Start by asking your participants to draw a tree in just 45 seconds – they can choose whether it will be abstract or realistic. 

Once the timer is up, ask the group how many people included the roots of the tree and use this as a means to discuss how we can ignore important parts of any system simply because they are not visible.

All problem-solving strategies are made more effective by thinking of problems critically and by exposing things that may not normally come to light. Warm-up games like Draw a Tree are great in that they quickly demonstrate some key problem-solving skills in an accessible and effective way.

Draw a Tree   #thiagi   #opening   #perspectives   #remote-friendly   With this game you can raise awarness about being more mindful, and aware of the environment we live in.

Each step of the problem-solving workshop benefits from an intelligent deployment of activities, games, and techniques. Bringing your session to an effective close helps ensure that solutions are followed through on and that you also celebrate what has been achieved.

Here are some problem-solving activities you can use to effectively close a workshop or meeting and ensure the great work you’ve done can continue afterward.

• One Breath Feedback
• Who What When Matrix
• Response Cards

How do I conclude a problem-solving process?

All good things must come to an end. With the bulk of the work done, it can be tempting to conclude your workshop swiftly and without a moment to debrief and align. This can be problematic in that it doesn’t allow your team to fully process the results or reflect on the process.

At the end of an effective session, your team will have gone through a process that, while productive, can be exhausting. It’s important to give your group a moment to take a breath, ensure that they are clear on future actions, and provide short feedback before leaving the space. 

The primary purpose of any problem-solving method is to generate solutions and then implement them. Be sure to take the opportunity to ensure everyone is aligned and ready to effectively implement the solutions you produced in the workshop.

Remember that every process can be improved and by giving a short moment to collect feedback in the session, you can further refine your problem-solving methods and see further success in the future too.

33. One Breath Feedback

Maintaining attention and focus during the closing stages of a problem-solving workshop can be tricky and so being concise when giving feedback can be important. It’s easy to incur “death by feedback” should some team members go on for too long sharing their perspectives in a quick feedback round. 

One Breath Feedback is a great closing activity for workshops. You give everyone an opportunity to provide feedback on what they’ve done but only in the space of a single breath. This keeps feedback short and to the point and means that everyone is encouraged to provide the most important piece of feedback to them. 

One breath feedback   #closing   #feedback   #action   This is a feedback round in just one breath that excels in maintaining attention: each participants is able to speak during just one breath … for most people that’s around 20 to 25 seconds … unless of course you’ve been a deep sea diver in which case you’ll be able to do it for longer.

34. Who What When Matrix 

Matrices feature as part of many effective problem-solving strategies and with good reason. They are easily recognizable, simple to use, and generate results.

The Who What When Matrix is a great tool to use when closing your problem-solving session by attributing a who, what and when to the actions and solutions you have decided upon. The resulting matrix is a simple, easy-to-follow way of ensuring your team can move forward. 

Great solutions can’t be enacted without action and ownership. Your problem-solving process should include a stage for allocating tasks to individuals or teams and creating a realistic timeframe for those solutions to be implemented or checked out. Use this method to keep the solution implementation process clear and simple for all involved. 

Who/What/When Matrix   #gamestorming   #action   #project planning   With Who/What/When matrix, you can connect people with clear actions they have defined and have committed to.

35. Response cards

Group discussion can comprise the bulk of most problem-solving activities and by the end of the process, you might find that your team is talked out! 

Providing a means for your team to give feedback with short written notes can ensure everyone is head and can contribute without the need to stand up and talk. Depending on the needs of the group, giving an alternative can help ensure everyone can contribute to your problem-solving model in the way that makes the most sense for them.

Response Cards is a great way to close a workshop if you are looking for a gentle warm-down and want to get some swift discussion around some of the feedback that is raised. 

Response Cards   #debriefing   #closing   #structured sharing   #questions and answers   #thiagi   #action   It can be hard to involve everyone during a closing of a session. Some might stay in the background or get unheard because of louder participants. However, with the use of Response Cards, everyone will be involved in providing feedback or clarify questions at the end of a session.

Save time and effort discovering the right solutions

A structured problem solving process is a surefire way of solving tough problems, discovering creative solutions and driving organizational change. But how can you design for successful outcomes?

With SessionLab, it’s easy to design engaging workshops that deliver results. Drag, drop and reorder blocks  to build your agenda. When you make changes or update your agenda, your session  timing   adjusts automatically , saving you time on manual adjustments.

Collaborating with stakeholders or clients? Share your agenda with a single click and collaborate in real-time. No more sending documents back and forth over email.

Explore  how to use SessionLab  to design effective problem solving workshops or  watch this five minute video  to see the planner in action!

Over to you

The problem-solving process can often be as complicated and multifaceted as the problems they are set-up to solve. With the right problem-solving techniques and a mix of creative exercises designed to guide discussion and generate purposeful ideas, we hope we’ve given you the tools to find the best solutions as simply and easily as possible.

Is there a problem-solving technique that you are missing here? Do you have a favorite activity or method you use when facilitating? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you! 

thank you very much for these excellent techniques

Certainly wonderful article, very detailed. Shared!

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60 Innovative Design Thinking Project Ideas for Engineering Students

Explore a world of innovation with Design Thinking Project Ideas for engineering students. From revolutionizing problem-solving to crafting solutions that resonate, embark on a transformative journey where creativity meets engineering brilliance.

Hey future engineering maestros! Brace yourselves for a ride into the epic world where engineering smarts meets the magic of creativity – enter Design Thinking Project Ideas! We’re not talking about your typical snooze-worthy projects; we’re talking about a journey that’s like sprinkling a bit of fairy dust on your engineering mindset.

Imagine this as your backstage pass to a place where innovation isn’t just a concept; it’s the beating heart of every project. Design Thinking is no rulebook; it’s your superhero cape for whipping up solutions that aren’t just good – they’re downright spectacular.

Now, let’s ditch the dull routine of textbooks and imagine classrooms transforming into hubs of innovation. From dreaming up mind-blowing solutions to tackling everyday conundrums, these Design Thinking projects are your golden ticket to becoming an engineering wizard.

So, gear up, future engineers! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill project talk; this is an adventure where your technical genius collides with a burst of creative fireworks. Welcome to the Design Thinking escapade – where your ideas aren’t just scribbles; they’re the blueprint for a future that’s as wild and wonderful as your imagination. Ready to unleash the engineering rockstar in you? Let’s roll!

Table of Contents

Design Thinking Project Ideas for Engineering Students

Check out some of the best design thinking project ideas for engineering students:-

Environmental Sustainability

• Imagine bins that talk, reminding you to recycle and maybe cracking a joke or two. Fun meets eco-friendly!
• Turn dull rooftops into cozy green spots with benches and plants. A chill zone in the midst of the city hustle.
• Make composting a breeze with user-friendly stations. Turn kitchen scraps into garden gold effortlessly.
• Ever seen plastic turn into something useful? Let’s create a magical machine that transforms plastic waste into cool items.
• Saving water can be a game! Develop a gizmo that turns water conservation into a fun challenge.
• Picture benches that charge your phone and bus stops that light up with solar power. Our streets become the life of the green party!
• Give packaging a makeover! Create chic, eco-friendly alternatives that are as stylish as the products inside.
• Locks that chat and GPS that guides – our bike-sharing system is not just about bikes; it’s a two-wheeled adventure.
• Make farming newbie-friendly with soil sensors and crop health apps. Smart farming for everyone!
• Design air conditioning that’s kind to the environment. Keeping cool without the energy guilt!

Healthcare and Well-being

• Rehab at home, virtually! Bring recovery to your living room for a comfy rehab experience.
• Your wearable cheering you on! A wrist buddy that celebrates your wellness victories.
• Robotic limbs that adapt and learn with you. Prosthetics that feel like an extension of yourself.
• Wellness meets gaming! An app with challenges, rewards, and maybe a virtual trophy or two.
• Breathe easy with a smart inhaler that tracks your meds. Your personal respiratory companion.
• An app for the safety of our elders. Sensors and updates to keep them safe and sound.
• Fitness gear that monitors, syncs, and challenges you. Your workout buddy in equipment form.
• History class as an AR adventure! Explore the past in a virtual world with hidden surprises.
• Tools that make learning enjoyable for everyone. Aids that bring inclusivity to the classroom.
• Your health info in a digital passport! Doctor visits made as easy as catching a ride.

Education Technology (EdTech)

• Your AI study buddy! A platform that adapts to your learning style and keeps it fun.
• Turn classrooms into virtual hangouts! Interactive lessons and digital field trips for an adventurous learning experience.
• Coding, but as a quest! Challenges, rewards, and a leaderboard for a thrilling coding journey.
• Dive into a language paradise! Learn new languages through VR experiences and have fun doing it.
• AI for your art class! Feedback, techniques, and maybe even collaborations with your AI assistant.
• Join the E-Book Club! An app that suggests reads, brings readers together, and turns reading into a social adventure.
• No more dull labs! Dive into AR science labs where experiments come to life.
• Math as a treasure hunt! An app that turns equations into a hunt with rewards.
• Robotics for everyone! Create a DIY kit, turning every student into an engineer.
• Schools as chill zones! Apps that teach mindfulness and provide a digital escape for students.

Robotics and Automation

• Drones delivering pizzas from the sky! Because who doesn’t want pizza raining down from above?
• Let a robot do your shopping! A personal shopper that understands your style and hunts for deals.
• AI in the kitchen! An app that suggests recipes based on your preferences and what’s in your fridge.
• Robots talking to plants! An automated system that waters, fertilizes, and chats with your leafy friends.
• Tech fun for pets! Create gadgets that entertain pets autonomously.
• Capture the world from above! Develop a drone photography system for stunning aerial shots.
• Your mirror, but smarter! Guides your workouts, corrects your form, and maybe even gives virtual high-fives.
• Robots mixing drinks! Create a robot bartender that serves drinks and crafts unique concoctions.
• Your home as a garden paradise! Develop a system that tends to your indoor plants with a tech-savvy touch.
• Dance with an AI choreographer! Personalized dance routines for every style.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• Gaming with your mind! A console that responds to your brainwaves for a mental adventure.
• AI-powered fashion advice! An app that suggests outfits, predicts trends, and turns your closet into a runway.
• Turn your home into a concert hall! A smart home DJ that plays tunes, adjusts lighting, and takes music requests – all with your voice.
• Navigation with magic touches! An AR system guiding the visually impaired through touch and audio cues.
• Your gestures curate the art! Create a virtual gallery where your hand movements control the display.
• Chatting just got emotional! Design a chatbot that responds to your feelings, creating a personalized conversation.
• Time travel from your room! A VR app that takes you back in time to experience historical events.
• Your face sets the mood! A system using facial recognition to adjust lighting based on your mood.
• Shop with all your senses! An app combining visuals, sounds, and scents for a unique virtual shopping experience.
• Your AI storytelling companion! An app that tells personalized stories based on your preferences.

These project ideas cover a range of engineering disciplines and provide opportunities for students to apply Design Thinking principles to real-world problems.

Why Design Thinking Matters in Engineering Education

Check out wht design thinking matters in engineering education:-

Brain Blast Bonanza

Design thinking isn’t your grandma’s problem-solving—it’s a brainstorming bonanza for engineering minds. Imagine fireworks of ideas, a chaotic dance of creativity where you not only solve problems but unleash a tidal wave of “Aha!” moments.

Tech with Heart

Say goodbye to robotic engineering and hello to solutions with soul! Design thinking is like matchmaking for your creations and users. It’s not just about making things work; it’s about making things that people can’t help but fall in love with.

Team Tango Time

Design thinking is your backstage pass to the ultimate team jam session. Picture a rock band of engineers, designers, and creative minds jamming together. It’s not about saving the world; it’s about crafting solutions that make the world want an encore.

Reality Check DIY-style

Tired of theoretical mumbo-jumbo? Design thinking tosses you into the wild DIY adventure of real-world engineering. Think of it as an extreme obstacle course where your solutions aren’t just right; they’re hands-on, messy, and wonderfully real.

Failure Fiesta

Design thinking flips the script on failure—it’s not a “Fail,” it’s a “First Attempt in Learning.” It’s like a rollercoaster of trial and error, where failing fast is just the warm-up for a grand success performance. Who said failure couldn’t be fun?

Nerd Talk & Empathy Epic

Design thinking polishes your nerd talk until you’re explaining complex ideas like you’re narrating a blockbuster movie. Plus, it adds an empathy upgrade—understanding users becomes your superpower, and communication is as smooth as butter on a hot skillet.

Ethics Party

Welcome to the VIP ethics party in design thinking! It’s not just about doing cool stuff; it’s about doing cool stuff that doesn’t mess with the planet or anyone’s vibe. Think of it as engineering with a moral compass and a dash of superhero flair.

Future-Ready Rockstar

Design thinking transforms you into a tech rockstar navigating the Industry 4.0 stage. You’ll groove to the beat of technological evolution , face challenges like a fearless frontman, and emerge as the headline act in a world that craves your innovative encore.

Engineer by Day, Entrepreneur by Moonlight

Design thinking isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about spotting opportunities and turning them into moonlight magic. Picture yourself as the engineering superhero, rocking the engineer hat during the day and donning the entrepreneur cape by the light of the moon.

Learning Neverland

Design thinking is your golden ticket to the never-ending learning circus. Stay curious, embrace change, and be the engineering ringleader who commands attention in a world that’s always ready for the next spectacular act.

Alright, let’s spice it up a bit! These Design Thinking Project Ideas for Engineering Students are like the Avengers of innovation – each one a superhero ready to tackle real-world challenges with a cape of creativity and a mask of problem-solving finesse.

Imagine these projects as not just blueprints but treasure maps leading to a land where problems aren’t roadblocks; they’re opportunities for students to unleash their engineering superpowers. It’s not about building another widget; it’s about crafting solutions that make you go, “Whoa, did we just do that?”

These ideas are more than just projects; they’re like the cool kids in the innovation playground, daring students to think bigger, wilder, and with a sprinkle of “What if?” magic. We’re not talking about mundane solutions; we’re talking about turning classrooms into wonderlands, trash bins into chatterboxes, and wearables into your health hype squad.

So, gear up, engineering trailblazers! These projects aren’t just tasks; they’re invitations to join the league of extraordinary problem-solvers. Get ready for a journey where innovation meets real-world impact, and every idea is a superhero ready to save the day. Suit up and let the engineering adventure begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the essence of design thinking in engineering education.

Design thinking in engineering education goes beyond technical know-how. It cultivates a mindset of empathy, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—an essential toolkit for modern engineers.

How can design thinking projects benefit students?

Design thinking projects benefit students by fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a user-centric approach to problem-solving, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Are these design thinking projects suitable for all engineering disciplines?

Absolutely! The versatility of design thinking allows for adaptation across all engineering disciplines, promoting holistic learning experiences.

How can educators integrate analogies and metaphors into these projects?

Analogies and metaphors make complex concepts relatable. Educators can integrate them by drawing parallels between the engineering design process and everyday scenarios, enhancing conceptual understanding.

How do design thinking projects contribute to the future of engineering?

Design thinking projects contribute to the future of engineering by producing graduates who are not just technically proficient but also adept at navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. They become innovators and problem solvers, ready to shape the future.

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Top 15 Problem-Solving Activities for Your Team to Master

May 27, 2022 - 10 min read

Some people see problems as roadblocks, others see them as opportunities! Problem-solving activities are a great way to get to know how members of your team work, both individually and together. It’s important to teach your team strategies to help them quickly overcome obstacles in the way of achieving project goals.

In this article, you’ll explore 15 problem-solving activities designed to enhance collaboration and creativity. Additionally, if you want to discuss the insights and outcomes with your team after the activities, you can use Wrike’s actionable meeting notes template. This template allows you to record meeting discussions, assign action items, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The importance of problem-solving skills in today’s workplace

According to a 2019  report by McKinsey , soft skills are increasingly important in today's world — and problem-solving is the top area in which skills are lacking. A company or team’s success weighs heavily on the willingness of managers to help employees improve their problem-solving abilities. Team building activities targeting focus areas like communication and collaboration, adaptability, or strengthening decision-making techniques help.

All problem-solving processes start with identifying the problem. Next, the team must assess potential courses of action and choose the best way to tackle the problem. This requires a deep understanding of your team and its core strengths. A problem-solving exercise or game helps identify those strengths and builds problem-solving skills and strategies while having fun with your team.

Problem-solving games aren't for just any team. Participants must have an open mind and accept all ideas and solutions . They must also have an Agile mindset and embrace different structures, planning, and processes. Problems usually arise when we least expect them, so there's no better way to prepare than to encourage agility and flexibility.

Another aspect to keep in mind when engaging in problem-solving games and activities: There are no winners or losers. Sure, some games might end with a single winner, but the true goal of these exercises is to learn how to work together as a team to develop an Agile mindset. The winning team of each game should share their strategies and thought processes at the end of the exercise to help everyone learn.

Here’s a list of fun problem-solving activity examples to try with your team. From blindfolds to raw eggs, these problem-solving, team-building activities will have your team solving problems faster than Scooby and the gang.

Classic team-building, problem-solving activities

1. a shrinking vessel.

Helps with: Adaptability

Why adaptability is important for problem-solving: Adaptability is highly associated with cognitive diversity, which helps teams solve problems faster , according to the Harvard Business Review. Innovation and disruption are happening faster than ever before . People, teams, and organizations that can adapt will come out on top.

What you’ll need:

• A rope or string

Instructions:

1. Using the rope, make a shape on the floor everyone can fit into.

2. Slowly shrink the space over 10-15 minutes.

3. Work together to figure out how to keep everyone within the shrinking boundaries.

2. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower

Helps with: Collaboration

Why collaboration is important for problem-solving: “Collectively, we can be more insightful, more intelligent than we can possibly be individually,” writes Peter Senge in The Fifth Discipline . We can solve problems better as a team than we can alone, which means developing your team’s collaboration skills will lead to better problem-solving outcomes.

What you’ll need (per team):

• 20 sticks of uncooked spaghetti
• 1 roll of masking tape
• 1 yard of string
• 1 marshmallow

1. The goal of this exercise is to see which team can use the materials provided to build the tallest tower within an allotted time period. The tower must be able to stand on its own.

2. To make this exercise more challenging, try adding a marshmallow to the top of the tower. This team problem-solving exercise helps people think on their toes while building camaraderie and leadership.

3. Egg Drop

Helps with: Collaboration, decision-making

Why decision-making is important for problem-solving: Making decisions isn’t easy , but indecision leads to team paralysis, stagnant thinking, and unsolved problems. Decision-making activities help your team practice making quick, effective choices. Train your team’s decision-making muscles and they will become more adept at problem-solving.

• A carton of eggs
• Basic construction materials such as newspapers, straws, tape, plastic wrap, balloons, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, etc., tarp, or drop cloth
• A parking lot, or some other place you don’t mind getting messy!

1. Each team gets an egg and must select from the construction materials.

2. Give everyone 20-30 minutes to construct a carrier for the egg and protect it from breaking.

3. Drop each egg carrier off a ledge (i.e. over a balcony) and see whose carrier protects the egg from breaking.

4. If multiple eggs survive, keep increasing the height until only one egg is left.

4. Stranded

Helps with: Communication, decision-making

Why communication is important for problem-solving: More employees work remotely than ever before. Good communication skills are vital to solving problems across  virtual teams . Working on communication skills while your team is together will help them solve problems more effectively when they’re apart.

Here's the setting: Your team has been stranded in the office. The doors are locked, and knocking down the doors or breaking the windows is not an option. Give your team 30 minutes to decide on ten items in the office they need for survival and rank them in order of importance. The goal of the game is to have everyone agree on the ten items and their rankings in 30 minutes.

Creative problem-solving activities

Helps with: Communication

What you'll need:

1. Divide everyone into small teams of two or more.

2. Select an overseer who isn't on a team to build a random structure using Lego building blocks within ten minutes.

3. The other teams must replicate the structure exactly (including size and color) within 15 minutes. However, only one member from each group may look at the original structure. They must figure out how to communicate the size, color, and shape of the original structure to their team.

4. If this is too easy, add a rule that the member who can see the original structure can't touch the new structure.

• A lockable room
• 5-10 puzzles or clues (depending on how much time you want to spend on the game)

1. The goal of this exercise is to solve the clues, find the key, and escape a locked room within the time allotted.

2. Hide the key and a list of clues around the room.

3. Gather the team into the empty room and "lock" the door.

4. Give them 30 minutes to an hour to find the key using the clues hidden around the room.

7. Frostbite

Helps with: Decision-making, adaptability

• A blindfold
• 1 packet of construction materials (such as card stock, toothpicks, rubber bands, and sticky notes) for each team
• An electric fan

Instructions:  Your employees are Arctic explorers adventuring across an icy tundra! Separate them into teams of four or five and have them select a leader to guide their exploration. Each team must build a shelter from the materials provided before the storm hits in 30 minutes. However, both the team leader’s hands have frostbite, so they can’t physically help construct the shelter, and the rest of the team has snow blindness and is unable to see. When the 30 minutes is up, turn on the fan and see which shelter can withstand the high winds of the storm.

8. Minefield

• An empty room or hallway
• A collection of common office items

1. Place the items (boxes, chairs, water bottles, bags, etc.) around the room so there's no clear path from one end of the room to the other.

2. Divide your team into pairs and blindfold one person on the team.

3. The other must verbally guide that person from one end of the room to the other, avoiding the "mines."

4. The partner who is not blindfolded can't touch the other.

5. If you want to make the activity more challenging, have all the pairs go simultaneously so teams must find ways to strategically communicate with each other.

9. Blind Formations

1. Have the group put on blindfolds and form a large circle.

2. Tie two ends of a rope together and lay it in a circle in the middle of the group, close enough so each person can reach down and touch it.

3. Instruct the group to communicate to create a shape with the rope — a square, triangle, rectangle, etc.

4. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.

Quick and easy problem-solving activities

10. line up blind.

1. Blindfold everyone and whisper a number to each person, beginning with one.

2. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking.

3. Instead of giving them a number, you could also have them line up numerically by height, age, birthday, etc.

11. Reverse Pyramid

Helps with: Adaptability, collaboration

1. Have everyone stand in a pyramid shape, horizontally.

2. Ask them to flip the base and the apex of the pyramid moving only three people.

3. This quick exercise works best when smaller groups compete to see who can reverse the pyramid the fastest.

12. Move It!

• Chalk, rope, tape, or paper (something to mark a space)

1. Divide your group into two teams and line them up front to back, facing each other.

2. Using the chalk, tape, rope, or paper (depending on the playing surface), mark a square space for each person to stand on. Leave one extra empty space between the two facing rows.

3. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to switch places.

4. Place these restrictions on movement:

• Only one person may move at a time.
• A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
• No one may not move backward.
• A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.

13. Human Knot

1. Have everyone stand in a circle, and ask each person to hold hands with two people who aren’t directly next to them.

2. When everyone is tangled together, ask them to untangle the knot and form a perfect circle — without letting go of anyone's hand.

Our last two problem-solving activities work best when dealing with an actual problem:

14. Dumbest Idea First

Helps with: Instant problem-solving

1. "Dumb" ideas are sometimes the best ideas. Ask everyone to think of the absolute dumbest possible solution to the problem at hand.

2. After you have a long list, look through it and see which ones might not be as dumb as you think.

3. Brainstorm your solutions in Wrike. It's free and everyone can start collaborating instantly!

15. What Would X Do

1. Have everyone pretend they're someone famous.

2. Each person must approach the problem as if they were their chosen famous person. What options would they consider? How would they handle it?

3. This allows everyone to consider solutions they might not have thought of originally.

Looking for more team-building and virtual meeting games? Check out these virtual icebreaker games or our  Ultimate Guide to Team Building Activities that Don't Suck.

Additional resources on problem-solving activities

• Problem-Solving Model : Looking for a model to provide a problem-solving structure? This detailed guide gives you the tools to quickly solve any problem.
• The Simplex Process:  Popularized by Min Basadur's book, The Power of Innovation , the Simplex Process provides training and techniques for each problem-solving stage. It helps frame problem-solving as a continuous cycle, rather than a “one and done” process.
• Fun Problem-Solving Activities and Games : Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of interesting and creative problem-solving activities for adults and kids!
• The Secret to Better Problem-Solving:  This article provides tips, use cases, and fresh examples to help you become a whiz at solving the toughest problems.

How to organize problem-solving activities with Wrike

If you want to make problem-solving activities more effective, consider using team collaboration software such as Wrike. 

Wrike’s pre-built actionable meeting notes template helps you keep track of meeting discussions, assign action items, and keep everyone in the loop. It’s an effective tool to streamline your problem-solving sessions and turn insights into real projects.

Brianna Hansen

Brianna is a former Content Marketing Manager of Wrike. When she’s not writing about collaboration and team building games, you’ll find her in the kitchen testing out the latest recipes, sharing her favorite wine with friends, or playing with her two cats.

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5 Unexpected Ways To Improve Team Collaboration

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Put the Walls Back Up Conventional wisdom says that open work spaces and shared offices get people to talk more, but the ambient noise and visual distractions can actually mean a loss of productivity. We cycle through the open-office-closed-door argument every decade or so, probably because the pendulum swings way too far in one direction or the other, leaving employees either isolated or distracted. When employees have a quiet, comfortable place to work distraction-free, they feel more comfortable coming out of their shells when they need to work together. Cubicles, conference rooms, and separate offices help define meeting times and let employees choose when they engage with others, rather than the open office layout that stifles quiet time. 2. Build an Asynchronous Communication Policy Many workplaces have implemented instant messaging apps, crowd-sourced employee documents, and project management tools that increase the opportunity for collaboration. 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These connections remind us that our colleagues are more than their work projects, they are people too. Humanizing remote teammates helps to foster empathy, which in turn smooths out whatever rough patches you'll hit during collaboration.  5. Build Relationships via Tough Conversations Whether collaboration takes place in the office or remotely, in real time or asynchronously, in a conference room or in the middle of an open office, it’s important to build communication policies that promote openness and honesty. 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She writes about project management, marketing, sales, CRM, and many other technology verticals.

Making Mistakes at Work: What to Do if You're in the Wrong

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Follow these steps to overcoming work-related stress and bounce back stronger than before after you’ve messed up:  Step 1: Process your emotions It’s natural to feel frustrated and embarrassed when something goes wrong at work. But, after a few seconds, the feeling should pass and you can begin to think logically. If it doesn’t happen quickly, take some time to process these emotions. Talk it out with a trusted friend, voice journal about it in your car, or take a walk outside to get some fresh air before starting fresh.  It can be hard to maintain a sense of balance when you’re upset. Try to make sure that your emotional response is proportional to the mistake you made. Step 2: Keep perspective If you make an error at work, it’s likely not a life-or-death situation. Most of the time, it can be corrected or resolved quickly. If you don’t find the right perspective, your mind may get too focused on the negative consequences of your mistake, which can trigger more errors in the future. 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Afterward, encourage them to learn from it and avoid repeating the same mistake. When communicating with an employee who has made a mistake, in-person meetings are often best. However, many teams are now made up of contractors, gig workers, and freelancers who work remotely so a physical location is not always accessible. If that’s the case, lean on digital tools to illustrate the issue.  For example, reports and individual task assignment lists from project management tools. These can also be used to prevent future mistakes, as managers can easily use them to communicate the actions and behaviors expected of team members and improve the overall work management process.  There may be times when mistakes happen over and over again. If that’s the case, the employee may be engaging in a pattern of behavior that keeps them from performing at their best. Managers can step in and provide ideas for healthy habits that will prevent the same type of mistake from cropping up again.  For example, you can ask a marketing team member to overcome a common marketing mistake of missing a content publishing deadline by writing a to-do list every day. This will help them stay on top of their tasks while also motivating them to finish their work at the same time.  In a nutshell, it’s important to understand that punishment for infrequent mistakes is unfair and ineffective. These mistakes offer opportunities to improve, which both managers and employees can embrace. How to admit a mistake in a professional environment You may end up in a situation in a professional environment where an apology is needed. And when it comes to making mistakes at work, honesty is the best policy. Certain actions can break trust, but an apology can help rebuild it.  In your explanation, it's important to detail why you acted the way you did. It shows that you care about how those around you are affected by your actions. It's important to address the person you're apologizing to by name, regardless of their status. Having an open conversation can help both of you understand the other person better, and it can prevent an insincere apology from happening. If the mistake you made affected someone personally, it's important to validate the feelings of the other person. Having the courage to admit that you're sorry can make a huge difference in how people treat you.  Take responsibility for your actions and have a plan in place for how to make amends before you approach the appropriate person or people.  Having a plan in place shows that you're thinking about how to make things right. You may even want to read about examples of taking responsibility at work and model your behavior on whichever feels appropriate for the situation.  However, don’t get carried away and make promises you can’t keep. It's important to set goals that are realistic so that you can avoid repeating the mistake.  If your apology is accepted, you can then try negotiating a solution by asking the other person to reflect on the situation and consider their feelings.  After you apologize, make a greater effort to keep your promises and not repeat the same mistake. Doing so can help improve the situation and make the other person feel more comfortable. How to learn from mistakes at work It's important to come clean and admit your mistake, but it's also important to move forward with a positive mindset. You'll most likely feel a bit down about your mistake right after it happens. But by learning from it, you can improve and become more resilient in the long run.  Start by creating a plan for improvement. If you made a minor mistake, then creating personal goals and action plans will help you put those lessons into action. You can learn a universal lesson from nearly any situation, no matter how unique it is. For example, if you learned that a mistake was made because of your forgetfulness, implementing organizational strategies to improve your memory could help. Next, keep track of progress over time in a notebook or virtual document. Be sure to note the highlights along with the lowlights. Look for patterns. As they come up, add them to your action plan or personal goals list.  Monitor whether or not these changes have led to better, more consistent outcomes. If not, adjust and keep going.  Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're unsure which strategy or tool will work best for you. Managers are there to support your performance. If you approach them with honesty and vulnerability, they’ll likely be flattered you thought to ask. They may even offer advice or make changes that will improve productivity for you and the rest of the team.  In conclusion The pressure to perform at a high level can often result in mistakes and inefficient habits. Learn from your mistakes and take ownership of them. Communicate in an open and honest manner. Ask for or provide help when needed and remember that every new mistake is also an opportunity for better performance. How Wrike can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes at work With so many files, folders, updates, and chat threads to keep track of, mistakes are easily made when you try to get through your day without a work management platform. Wrike offers a variety of features to help you stay on top of your workload easily, and avoid unnecessary confusion that can lead to mistakes at work. Full project visibility, including real-time updates and approvals, means that you can ensure every stakeholder is informed of what you're working on, with your tasks going to the correct approver every time. One shared space with over 400 app integrations means communication has never been easier, no matter where you or your team are based. And Wrike's Automation Engine allows you to streamline your processes and automate the time-consuming admin tasks that, when tackled manually, can easily be done incorrectly.  Try it out for yourself with a free two-week trial.

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14 Best Team Building Problem Solving Group Activities For 2024

The best teams see solutions where others see problems. A great company culture is built around a collaborative spirit and the type of unity it takes to find answers to the big business questions.

So how can you get team members working together?

How can you develop a mentality that will help them overcome obstacles they have yet to encounter?

One of the best ways to improve your teams’ problem solving skills is through team building problem solving activities .

“86% of employees and executives cite lack of collaboration or ineffective communication for workplace failures.” — Bit.AI

These activities can simulate true-to-life scenarios they’ll find themselves in, or the scenarios can call on your employees or coworkers to dig deep and get creative in a more general sense.

The truth is, on a day-to-day basis, you have to prepare for the unexpected. It just happens that team building activities help with that, but are so fun that they don’t have to feel like work ( consider how you don’t even feel like you’re working out when you’re playing your favorite sport or doing an exercise you actually enjoy! )

What are the benefits of group problem-solving activities?

The benefits of group problem-solving activities for team building include:

• Better communication
• Improved collaboration and teamwork
• More flexible thinking
• Faster problem-solving
• Better proactivity and decision making

Without further ado, check out this list of the 14 best team-building problem-solving group activities for 2024!

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

Popular Problem Solving Activities

1. virtual team challenge.

Virtual Team Challenges are popular problem-solving activities that involve a group of people working together to solve an issue. The challenge generally involves members of the team brainstorming, discussing, and creating solutions for a given problem.

Participants work both individually and collaboratively to come up with ideas and strategies that will help them reach their goals.

Why this is a fun problem-solving activity: Participants can interact and communicate with each other in a virtual environment while simultaneously engaging with the problem-solving activities. This makes it an enjoyable experience that allows people to use their creative thinking skills, build team spirit, and gain valuable insights into the issue at hand.

Problem-solving activities such as Virtual Team Challenges offer a great way for teams to come together, collaborate, and develop creative solutions to complex problems.

2. Problem-Solving Templates

Problem-Solving Templates are popular problem-solving activities that involve a group of people working together to solve an issue. The challenge generally involves members of the team utilizing pre-made templates and creating solutions for a given problem with the help of visual aids.

This activity is great for teams that need assistance in getting started on their problem-solving journey.

Why this is a fun problem-solving activity: Problem-Solving Templates offer teams an easy and stress-free way to get the creative juices flowing. The visual aids that come with the templates help team members better understand the issue at hand and easily come up with solutions together.

This activity is great for teams that need assistance in getting started on their problem-solving journey, as it provides an easy and stress-free way to get the creative juices flowing.

Problem Solving Group Activities & Games For Team Building

3. coworker feud, “it’s all fun and games”.

Coworker Feud is a twist on the classic Family Feud game show! This multiple rapid round game keeps the action flowing and the questions going. You can choose from a variety of customizations, including picking the teams yourself, randomized teams, custom themes, and custom rounds.

Best for: Hybrid teams

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Coworker Feud comes with digital game materials, a digital buzzer, an expert host, and a zoom link to get the participants ready for action! Teams compete with each other to correctly answer the survey questions. At the end of the game, the team with the most competitive answers is declared the winner of the Feud.

How to get started:

• Sign up for Coworker Feud
• Break into teams of 4 to 10 people
• Get the competitive juices flowing and let the games begin!

Learn more here: Coworker Feud

4. Crack The Case

“who’s a bad mamma jamma”.

Crack The Case is a classic WhoDoneIt game that forces employees to depend on their collective wit to stop a deadly murderer dead in his tracks! Remote employees and office commuters can join forces to end this crime spree.

Best for: Remote teams

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: The Virtual Clue Murder Mystery is an online problem solving activity that uses a proprietary videoconferencing platform to offer the chance for employees and coworkers to study case files, analyze clues, and race to find the motive, the method, and the individual behind the murder of Neil Davidson.

• Get a custom quote here
• Download the app
• Let the mystery-solving collaboration begin!

Learn more here: Crack The Case

5. Catch Meme If You Can

“can’t touch this”.

Purposefully created to enhance leadership skills and team bonding , Catch Meme If You Can is a hybrid between a scavenger hunt and an escape room . Teammates join together to search for clues, solve riddles, and get out — just in time!

Best for: Small teams

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Catch Meme If You Can is an adventure with a backstory. Each team has to submit their answer to the puzzle in order to continue to the next part of the sequence. May the best team escape!

• The teams will be given instructions and the full storyline
• Teams will be split into a handful of people each
• The moderator will kick off the action!

Learn more here: Catch Meme If You Can

6. Puzzle Games

“just something to puzzle over”.

Puzzle Games is the fresh trivia game to test your employees and blow their minds with puzzles, jokes , and fun facts!

Best for: In-person teams

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Eight mini brain teaser and trivia style games include word puzzles, name that nonsense, name that tune, and much more. Plus, the points each team earns will go towards planting trees in the precious ecosystems and forests of Uganda

• Get a free consultation for your team
• Get a custom designed invitation for your members
• Use the game link
• Dedicated support will help your team enjoy Puzzle Games to the fullest!

Learn more here: Puzzle Games

7. Virtual Code Break

“for virtual teams”.

Virtual Code Break is a virtual team building activity designed for remote participants around the globe. Using a smart video conferencing solution, virtual teams compete against each other to complete challenges, answer trivia questions, and solve brain-busters!

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Virtual Code Break can be played by groups as small as 4 people all the way up to more than 1,000 people at once. However, every team will improve their communication and problem-solving skills as they race against the clock and depend on each other’s strengths to win!

• Reach out for a free consultation to align the needs of your team
• An event facilitator will be assigned to handle all of the set-up and logistics
• They will also provide you with logins and a play-by-play of what to expect
• Sign into the Outback video conferencing platform and join your pre-assigned team
• Lastly, let the games begin!

Learn more here: Virtual Code Break

8. Stranded

“survivor: office edition”.

Stranded is the perfect scenario-based problem solving group activity. The doors of the office are locked and obviously your team can’t just knock them down or break the windows.

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Your team has less than half an hour to choose 10 items around the office that will help them survive. They then rank the items in order of importance. It’s a bit like the classic game of being lost at sea without a lifeboat.

• Get everyone together in the office
• Lock the doors
• Let them start working together to plan their survival

Learn more here: Stranded

9. Letting Go Game

“for conscious healing”.

The Letting Go Game is a game of meditation and mindfulness training for helping teammates thrive under pressure and reduce stress in the process. The tasks of the Letting Go Game boost resiliency, attentiveness, and collaboration.

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Expert-guided activities and awareness exercises encourage team members to think altruistically and demonstrate acts of kindness. Between yoga, face painting, and fun photography, your employees or coworkers will have more than enough to keep them laughing and growing together with this mindfulness activity!

• Reach out for a free consultation
• A guide will then help lead the exercises
• Let the funny videos, pictures, and playing begin!

Learn more here: Letting Go Game

10. Wild Goose Chase

“city time”.

Wild Goose Chase is the creative problem solving activity that will take teams all around your city and bring them together as a group! This scavenger hunt works for teams as small as 10 up to groups of over 5000 people.

Best for: Large teams

Why this is an effective group problem solving activity: As employees and group members are coming back to the office, there are going to be times that they’re itching to get outside. Wild Goose Chase is the perfect excuse to satisfy the desire to go out-of-office every now and then. Plus, having things to look at and see around the city will get employees talking in ways they never have before.

• Download the Outback app to access the Wild Goose Chase
• Take photos and videos from around the city
• The most successful team at completing challenges on time is the champ!

Learn more here: Wild Goose Chase

11. Human Knot

“for a knotty good time”.

The Human Knot is one of the best icebreaker team building activities! In fact, there’s a decent chance you played it in grade school. It’s fun, silly, and best of all — free!

Why this is an effective group problem solving activity: Participants start in a circle and connect hands with two other people in the group to form a human knot. The team then has to work together and focus on clear communication to unravel the human knot by maneuvering their way out of this hands-on conundrum. But there’s a catch — they can’t let go of each other’s hands in this team building exercise.

• Form a circle
• Tell each person to grab a random hand until all hands are holding another
• They can’t hold anyone’s hand who is directly next to them
• Now they have to get to untangling
• If the chain breaks before everyone is untangled, they have to start over again

Learn more here: Human Knot

12. What Would You Do?

“because it’s fun to imagine”.

What Would You Do? Is the hypothetical question game that gets your team talking and brainstorming about what they’d do in a variety of fun, intriguing, and sometimes, whacky scenarios.

Best for: Distributed teams

Why this is an effective group problem solving activity: After employees or coworkers start talking about their What Would You Do? responses, they won’t be able to stop. That’s what makes this such an incredible team building activity . For example, you could ask questions like “If you could live forever, what would you do with your time?” or “If you never had to sleep, what would you do?”

• In addition to hypothetical questions, you could also give teammates some optional answers to get them started
• After that, let them do the talking — then they’ll be laughing and thinking and dreaming, too!

13. Crossing The River

“quite the conundrum”.

Crossing The River is a river-crossing challenge with one correct answer. Your team gets five essential elements — a chicken, a fox, a rowboat, a woman, and a bag of corn. You see, the woman has a bit of a problem, you tell them. She has to get the fox, the bag of corn, and the chicken to the other side of the river as efficiently as possible.

Why this is an effective group problem solving activity: She has a rowboat, but it can only carry her and one other item at a time. She cannot leave the chicken and the fox alone — for obvious reasons. And she can’t leave the chicken with the corn because it will gobble it right up. So the question for your team is how does the woman get all five elements to the other side of the river safely in this fun activity?

• Form teams of 2 to 5 people
• Each team has to solve the imaginary riddle
• Just make sure that each group understands that the rowboat can only carry one animal and one item at a time; the fox and chicken can’t be alone; and the bag of corn and the chicken cannot be left alone
• Give the verbal instructions for getting everything over to the other side

14. End-Hunger Games

“philanthropic fun”.

Does anything bond people quite like acts of kindness and compassion? The End-Hunger Games will get your team to rally around solving the serious problem of hunger.

Best for: Medium-sized teams

Why this is an effective problem solving group activity: Teams join forces to complete challenges based around non-perishable food items in the End-Hunger Games. Groups can range in size from 25 to more than 2000 people, who will all work together to collect food for the local food bank.

• Split into teams and compete to earn boxes and cans of non-perishable food
• Each team attempts to build the most impressive food item construction
• Donate all of the non-perishable foods to a local food bank

Learn more here: End-Hunger Games

People Also Ask These Questions About Team Building Problem Solving Group Activities

Q: what are some problem solving group activities.

• A: Some problem solving group activities can include riddles, egg drop, reverse pyramid, tallest tower, trivia, and other moderator-led activities.

Q: What kind of skills do group problem solving activities & games improve?

• A: Group problem solving activities and games improve collaboration, leadership, and communication skills.

Q: What are problem solving based team building activities & games?

• A: Problem solving based team building activities and games are activities that challenge teams to work together in order to complete them.

Q: What are some fun free problem solving games for groups?

• A: Some fun free problem solving games for groups are kinesthetic puzzles like the human knot game, which you can read more about in this article. You can also use all sorts of random items like whiteboards, straws, building blocks, sticky notes, blindfolds, rubber bands, and legos to invent a game that will get the whole team involved.

Q: How do I choose the most effective problem solving exercise for my team?

• A: The most effective problem solving exercise for your team is one that will challenge them to be their best selves and expand their creative thinking.

Q: How do I know if my group problem solving activity was successful?

• A: In the short-term, you’ll know if your group problem solving activity was successful because your team will bond over it; however, that should also translate to more productivity in the mid to long-term.

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No glasses? No problem. Three cool ways to safely view the eclipse.

‘pinhole projectors’ will do the trick. so will plants in your backyard..

The April 8 total solar eclipse is finally here — and it’s sure to amaze and delight the millions who see it.

Everyone in the Lower 48 states will be able to view at least a partial solar eclipse, assuming cloud-free skies .

To savor the eclipse, you don’t need special equipment. Even if you can’t get your hands on eclipse glasses , there are old school, low-tech ways to see it. If you’re crafty and canny, the eclipse can still be a memorable experience.

2024 total solar eclipse

Safety first

The first rule of enjoying the eclipse is to avoid looking directly at the sun without eye protection. Even brief glances can cause permanent damage.

The only exception to this rule is for lucky spectators in the path of totality during the few minutes of the total eclipse, when the sun is fully blocked by the moon.

For those witnessing the partial solar eclipse, even when most of the sun’s surface is blocked, the remaining, visible crescent is still intensely bright and cannot be safely viewed without eye protection.

But, if you don’t have eye protection, here are some safe ways to experience the partial eclipse through indirect means:

Make a pinhole projector

A way around looking directly the sun is to make your own eclipse projector using a cereal box. It’s a safe and terrific way to capture the eclipse action.

Clear the kitchen table and find the craft scissors. In addition to the cereal box, you’ll need a piece of aluminum foil, tape and a small nail or pushpin.

First, eat your Froot Loops — or whatever toasted grain you prefer — and keep the box. On a white piece of paper or white cardboard, trace the bottom of the box. Then, clip out the traced rectangle from the paper and put it in the bottom of the opened box. That’s your screen that images of the eclipse will project onto.

Cut out two squares (1.5 inches should suffice) on the lid of the box and then tape the lid back together. For one square, cover the hole in foil and tape it down. Gently put a pushpin or small nail hole through it, as that is the lens that the sun’s light will pass through. The smaller the hole, the sharper the projected image.

When using your personal box theater, turn away from the sun — and let the sun’s rays shine through the tiny pin hole. Look through the other hole in the lid to see the eclipse action — during the eclipse you’ll see the moon biting a chunk from the sun.

Other kinds of small boxes — such as shoe boxes or small package boxes — work well, too. And your kids can decorate them for fun.

Looking to the trees

If you’re not inclined to make a projector box, you can also view the partial phases of the eclipse in the shadows of trees and plants.

The small gaps in between leaves, branches and pine needles act as miniature projectors. When light passes through, a small image of the sun is cast onto the ground. As the partial eclipse progresses, you’ll see the small circles evolve into sickle-shaped crescents, eventually waning to a sliver.

You may consider holding a white piece of paper or poster board beneath a tree or plant to make it easier to spot the shadows.

Gadgets and fingers

Leaves aren’t special — they just happen to be good at producing tiny projections. But realistically, any hole that’s about a quarter inch wide, give or take, will do the trick. That means you could even parade around outside with your pasta colander, cheese grater or serving spoon with holes in it and look at its shadow. Place white paper or poster board on the ground to see the projection more clearly.

You could also just hold your fingers out and crisscross them to make for half a dozen or so small openings between. Just extend your fingers on both hands as if you’re trying to make a W , and then overlap them.

Simple, yet elegant.

A total solar eclipse passed across the United States on Monday, April 8. See photos and videos from the path of totality and read our reporters’ coverage from scenes across the nation .

Looking ahead: Missed this one? The next eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2044 — and then we’ll see another shortly after in 2045. If you did watch this eclipse but without proper eyewear, here’s what to do if your eyes hurt .

The science: This eclipse appeared especially dramatic because the sun was at its most active period in two decades. In the past, solar eclipses have helped scientists learn more about the universe . Here’s everything else to know about the solar eclipse.

• Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch April 8, 2024 Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch April 8, 2024
• Here’s what not to do to safely watch the total solar eclipse April 5, 2024 Here’s what not to do to safely watch the total solar eclipse April 5, 2024
• Eclipse tourists should plan for overloaded cell networks April 2, 2024 Eclipse tourists should plan for overloaded cell networks April 2, 2024