Delivering STEM lessons with Design Thinking

Since design thinking focuses on creating desired solutions to solve complex problems, drawing upon imagination, logic, and systematic reasoning to explore possible solutions and to create beneficial outputs, it serves as an ideal approach on delivering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lessons because it will help students better appreciate their role in solving some of society’s biggest problems.

Learning tools with design thinking in mind


Diwa’s STEM textbooks are learning tools that can help teachers use design thinking in their classrooms. Incorporated in the textbooks’ design are performance tasks based on the six facets of understanding: explain, interpret, apply, have perspective, empathize, and have self-knowledge. This perfectly fits the process of design thinking.

GRASPS for STEM
In the process of design thinking, several steps and factors must be considered before arriving at the solution to a problem. This is far different from the typical problem-solving process where solutions are solely based on the designer’s assumptions. Beyond Walls: Apply It in Real Life activities and Culminating Output are specific components inside Diwa’s STEM textbooks that promote design thinking. These activities are written in GRASPS format (Goal, Role, Audience, Situation, Product/Performance, Standards for Success) and portray real-life applications of the concepts discussed in each lesson.

Goal. In design thinking, this could be the design challenge statement. The actual solution is not yet mentioned but only derived from this statement. Example: To promote scientific literacy and the benefits of STEM..


Situation. This is the part of the activity where the issue or problem is raised. Students will then come up with ideas on what solution is appropriate to solve the problem. Example: Scientific literacy is not given priority in the country and students are becoming more disinterested in STEM.

Product. This could be the prototype of the solution. Example: Putting up an exhibit that demonstrates the benefits of STEM to society.

Diwa’s STEM textbooks, through its GRASPS activities that promote design thinking, are perfect tools that challenge students to propose solutions to real-world problems by tapping their experiences and innate creativity to spark enthusiasm. These activities will not only help students to appreciate STEM but also to excel in the subject, even encourage them to take STEM courses in the future.