Many students struggle to understand that creativity is a process, not a single moment of inspiration. In collaboration with the Eliot School, our project addresses this challenge by introducing young learners to the concept of iteration — the idea that many different solutions can work toward the same goal. This skill is essential in both creative and problem-solving contexts, yet it's often overlooked in early education.

By encouraging 3rd-grade students to experiment with different solutions, this project promotes creative confidence, hands-on learning, and flexible thinking. Kids not only engage in fun and interactive play, but they also gain a deeper understanding of how trial, error, and refinement lead to success.

Our team built a full-scale system where students use interchangeable track pieces to guide a ping pong ball down a peg wall. The track pieces could be arranged in multiple ways to complete the same task, demonstrating that there's no one “right” answer. This hands-on activity was designed with functionality, engagement, and simplicity in mind, using accessible materials and intuitive design. By making iteration both physical and playful, we created an experience that teaches complex ideas in a tangible, age-appropriate way.