Grade 8 students at our school are currently engaged in an exciting Design unit where they are creating small-scale models of national parks. Students are working collaboratively in groups of 2–3 as they explore the process of designing and constructing a model that represents a natural environment.

The journey began with Criterion A, where students identified the need for their product and defined their target audience. Through brainstorming and research, they explored the purpose and importance of scaled models and how these can help people better understand and appreciate natural landscapes.

Students then moved on to developing design ideas and sketches, carefully considering proportion and scale to ensure their models accurately represent the features of their chosen national parks. These sketches serve as blueprints that guide the construction process.

The project has now entered its most hands-on phase, as students begin building their models and sharing their ideas with one another. Following a logical plan with sequenced steps, they are carefully crafting their designs and paying close attention to the details that highlight the unique characteristics of their selected parks.

This project encourages creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving as students bring their ideas to life through the design process. We look forward to seeing the final models that will showcase both thoughtful design and impressive craftsmanship.