Brown Bear Bonanza is a collaborative 3d puzzle framework designed for 3rd graders that connects learning with play. We used simple materials, such as cardboard and foam, to inspire younger students to become interested in engineering and design a puzzle that matches their interests. We used a grizzly bear puzzle to demonstrate the collaborative and problem-solving skills required to assemble this, while also tackling the complicated concept of animal endangerment. It's hard for people, especially younger ones, to truly understand the scale of just how many grizzly bears there used to be, compared to how few there are today. The size was chosen to be near life size, but not overly large, and I believe we've struck a nice middle point.

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.

Clink Linker, a super modular play structure where everything can change. Designed for kids to enjoy best heights in whichever medium they prefer. Poles sprout from the ground above floors, bungee cords can connect the poles and allow surfaces to climb on. Clink Linkers is made with ground tiles that can be stacked upon each other and poles that can be made as tall as you want, with so much customization you can never get bored.