The Arts
September 2020
Biodesign in Highschools
by Giovanna Danies, María-Paula Barón, Andrea Peralta, Andrea Forero, Jenny Grillo
Traditional education, which generally evaluates theoretical content at the end of a period, is not aligned to the development of educational skills needed by 21st century citizens. Today, we need creative and innovative individuals, who think critically, are capable of learning how to learn, and are able to solve complex challenges. People who communicate effectively in transdisciplinary fields in order to work collaboratively. Citizens with a global vision that are aware of local needs, who make decisions based not only on their own wellbeing, but that of the communities and the planet, understanding that sustainable solutions balance these three. These skills can be cultivated through design thinking, which promotes project-based learning, theorizing from an initial challenge or brief. Biodesign in highschools presents a pedagogical proposal that combines scientific topics with a creative approach in order to open a wide range of possibilities, equipping future generations to respond to the challenges and needs the world presents today.
