The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IB MYP) has a strong focus on design thinking through its design cycle. This design cycle aligns very well with principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
The IB MYP design cycle is an iterative process students go through to identify problems or needs, research an issue, develop potential solutions, create prototypes or models, test them, evaluate the testing, and modify as necessary. This mirrors the engineering design process used by STEM professionals to solve problems through technological innovation.
The open-ended, creative nature of the IB MYP design cycle encourages the kind of critical thinking, troubleshooting, and innovation key to careers in fast-growing STEM fields. Going through the design process gives students project-based experience with essential STEM practices.
In this way, the IB framework provides the ideal avenue for interdisciplinary STEM learning, allowing students to master technical skills while exercising their creativity. Engaging with design thinking enhances their problem-solving, collaboration, communication and presentation abilities - building a solid foundation for future studies and careers.
