A recent design competition challenged sixth-grade students to consider how they’d design features for a new school in their hometown of Fairborn, Ohio. Fairborn Middle School Principal Stephanie Reynolds sought to identify a task in which students used problem-solving skills to address a real-world challenge.

Reynolds partnered with Brandi Keeton, the district’s logic and problem-solving educator, to apply this concept to her class. Keeton’s instruction introduces students to different careers and industries while gaining critical thinking skills.

Fairborn Middle School’s Stephanie Reynolds (second from right) and Brandi Keeton (right)

“This activity was a way to foster a sense of pride and desire among students to have something similar at the middle school,” Reynold said. “Now that a new middle school is in the works, the project feels even more meaningful to them.”

With the support of interior designer Becky Baumer and architect Mandy Niekamp from Fairborn’s design partner, Garmann Miller, students were taught steps of the facility design process. This included professional skills such as communication, conducting interviews, and collaboration with the various people involved in the life of a project.

Garman Miller’s Becky Baumer (left) and Mandy Niekamp (right) participated as judges.

“Some students discover they might have found a career interest, while others realize it’s not for them, and that’s OK,” Keaton said. “It’s all about exploration. The kids really enjoy the hands-on experience, even though they’re initially nervous because it seems like a big project. Once we narrow it down to designing just one specific area, they find it more manageable and exciting.”

Students explored how to read document drawings and do computer modeling. They began the activity by sketching their ideas on paper, envisioning everything from cafeterias to parking lots. They then brought their concepts to life using computer simulations in SketchUp to create 3D models of their designs for interior and exterior spaces.

The project concluded with presentations, during which students shared their concepts in a design competition, judged by Fairborn Middle School teachers, administration members, Baumer and Niekamp.

Student groups present their concepts during the competition.

“I was impressed with the students taking on a complex project like this. It was evident in the presentations that they all learned a lot about design thinking and communication skills when tasked with interviewing their ‘clients’ while figuring out how to meet their needs. They also demonstrated empathy and school pride in their design choices,” Baumer said.

It’s opportunities like this that allow our team to engage with the demographic we are serving and give us the chance to inspire the next generation of thought leaders.

“The design competition was a great opportunity for students to get experience collaborating with their team members and to learn new software as a way to express their ideas. I was impressed with the amount of thought and detail shown in the designs and expressed verbally,” Niekamp added.

Judges and attendees watch as students present their concepts.