Develop Real-World Research Skills: Mobile App Design

Aligned to standards RI.8.1: Evidence in informational text, W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims

We all rely on mobile apps to get through the day in one shape or form: navigation, shopping, music, you name it. Designing an app may seem complex but if you thought app design can only be done by grown-ups, think again.

We’re featuring a mini-project that inspires students to design an app to solve a problem they care about in school or in their community. This rigorous project plan is aligned to state standards and engages students to hone their skills in research, writing, speaking, and out-of-the-box thinking.

The complete project plan is available here for download in Word or PDF format.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in the project plan:

• Students will design a mobile application (by sketching) that solves a problem they care about in their school or community.
• Students must research their problem, cite evidence from multiple sources, and write and deliver a persuasive pitch.
• This project plan includes everything needed to facilitate the project out-of-the-box: student project directions, project templates, phone design templates, and judging rubric.

The detailed project plan/packet on Goalbook includes:

Engaging Hook — Students will watch the inspiring TED talk by 12 year-old mobile app developer, Thomas Suarez, who built an app to solve a problem at his school

Problem and Solution Templates— Using this provided template, students will articulate the problem they intend to solve and the solution they’ve developed to the problem

iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S5 Design Templates — Students will sketch their designs directly in the provided templates

The complete project plan is available here for download in Word or PDF format.