Unpacking Youth Sketching Skills in STEM Design

• In Event: Design Approaches Across Ages

Abstract

Sketching is a crucial component of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM] design process. Researchers argue to involve youth in the design process; however, there is a lack of understanding of how youth develop their sketching skills when participating in design activities. This study examines changes in youth sketching during their participation in a STEM Design Club using the ethnographic case study approach. Findings indicate two kinds of changes - 1) Annotations in the form of labels and descriptions and 2) Representations from Concrete to Abstract ideas. Results imply that youth can develop their sketching skills when provided with appropriate scaffolds as they participate in design based sketching activities.

Authors

• Ekta Shokeen, University of Maryland
  Presenting Author

• Nihal Katirci, University of Maryland
  Non-Presenting Author