You searched for design thinking | Mount Vernon School

Go Back

Personal Geographies: Blending Innovation, Design, and Purpose

December 4, 2024 (December 4, 2024) by sroyal

The Journey of Purpose—central to Mount Vernon’s 10-year strategic plan—encourages students to explore who they are and where they are headed. This vision is brought to life in Mount Vernon Studios, the School’s innovative Arts program, through the department’s annual theme of Personal Geographies, which invites students to navigate self-discovery through creativity. In Upper School,…

Exploring the Possibilities of Mobility in Design: Grade 7 Mini Golf Design Project

October 30, 2024 (October 30, 2024) by sroyal

As part of a transdisciplinary, grade-wide exploration, Grade 7 is starting a multifaceted project-based learning (PBL) journey exploring the possibilities of mobility in design. The end goal? Construct a mini-golf experience for the entire school community and debut it at Mustang Rally 2025. Over the next 8 months, this learning experience will help students see…

Designing the Future of Fun: Inside the Design Process for Mustang Rally

April 10, 2024 (June 12, 2024) by Mount Vernon

At Mount Vernon, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a daily part of life and learning. For the second consecutive year, Grade 8 students in Impact Design Lab (IDL) are taking on the challenge of reimagining the field games for Mustang Rally, our beloved annual spring carnival. This year’s project, much like the ones before…

Designing for Global Impact in Grade 8

April 5, 2023 by Mount Vernon

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Grade 8 embarked on a 9-week journey to deepen their understanding of global issues and design a public product that…

National Recognition of Middle School Impact Design Program

March 29, 2023 (June 27, 2024) by Mount Vernon

Ryan Welch was selected to speak at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conference in February to share his insights on Impact Design Lab, the innovative Mount Vernon signature Middle School program he co-creates and co-teaches with Kevin Day, and Dr. Todd Wass. The Grade 8 program focuses on developing students’ people-centered problem-solving skills…

Grade 5 Product Design Challenge to Benefit Kindergarten Learning

February 15, 2023 by Mount Vernon

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_video _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Design Thinking is a problem-solving method that emphasizes empathy and creativity. It helps individuals and teams approach problems from different perspectives and find innovative solutions. Grade 5 students recently put their…

Introducing: Impact Design Lab

August 31, 2022 (July 3, 2024) by sroyal

Introducing Impact Design Lab (IDL), a Mount Vernon Middle School designed class where students are taught to find problems and ask “How can I fix this?” instead of “I wish this was different”. Over the summer, we sat down with the three educational designers: Todd Wass, Ryan Welch, and Kevin Day to learn what this…

Innovation Diploma Students Explore the Future of Entertainment

December 18, 2024 (December 18, 2024) by sroyal

Innovation Diploma (iD) challenges students to think like innovators and be problem-solvers. A core element of the program is the “Future of” Design Series, now in its fourth year, which invites students to explore and reimagine the future of major industries. Following past explorations into retail, food, and air transportation, this year’s focus was entertainment….

Ventures Brings Cutting-Edge Research and Tools to Our Students

October 16, 2024 by sroyal

Mount Vernon Ventures plays a crucial role in enriching educational experiences at our school, providing access to cutting-edge research, tools, and strategies that shape how our students learn and grow. As a research and educational consultancy, Ventures not only enhances the School’s resources but also generates non-tuition revenue, helping to support the long-term sustainability of…

Innovation Diploma (iD): Prepares for the “Future of…”

December 13, 2023 (May 27, 2024) by Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Innovation Diploma (iD) program continues to elevate inquiry, innovation, and creativity with its “Future of” design series. Now in its third year, this unique initiative challenges students to envision and prototype the future of specific industries, sparking innovative ideas that may shape tomorrow’s landscapes. Having explored the Future of Retail in 2021 and…