In the Foundations of Making and Design (FOMAD) enrichment course, students are encouraged to stretch their creativity and curiosity while exploring the design process from idea to execution. On their first day, 7th Graders got hands-on with a teamwork challenge: stacking six cups using only rubber bands, string, and their ingenuity.
Working in small groups, students had to strategize, experiment, and adjust their approach—mirroring the very design principles they’ll dive into throughout the year. The activity highlighted collaboration and problem-solving, giving students a first taste of what it means to move beyond their comfort zones, think critically, and turn ideas into tangible results.
As the year continues, FOMAD students will build on these foundations by learning to safely use a wide range of tools and technologies, documenting their process, and creating artifacts they can take home and share.