Crestview Preparatory School Empowers Young Innovators Through Design Thinking Program
Crestview Preparatory School is proud to highlight the impactful work of its Design Thinking program, in which students from first through sixth grade are solving real-world challenges with creativity, empathy, and hands-on problem-solving. From designing tools that make life easier to building wildlife crossings and aqueduct models, Crestview students are gaining invaluable experience in critical thinking and teamwork.
Second and third graders at Crestview are currently immersed in projects focused on protecting local wildlife. Inspired by the famous mountain lion P-22’s journey across Los Angeles freeways, second graders are building model freeways with safe crossing structures, while third graders are creating wildlife crossings for neighborhoods in Arcadia and La Cañada. In November, students will visit the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing to see professional examples of these solutions in action. These projects blend engineering, empathy, and environmental awareness, teaching young students the importance of coexisting with local wildlife.
In fourth grade, students are learning about water engineering by designing aqueducts and dams. Following an educational field trip to the historic St. Francis Dam Disaster site, students are now hard at work creating model aqueducts to explore how water systems can support cities. In December, they will tackle the challenge of building dams, applying lessons learned from St. Francis and emphasizing design integrity.
In addition to these grade-specific projects, students across all grades are actively engaged in tackling unique challenges. First graders are crafting tools to reach high places, fostering early problem-solving skills, while fifth graders are learning traditional 18th-century papermaking and quill writing as part of their history curriculum. Sixth graders are engineering prosthetics for injured wildlife, designing model limbs to help animals like deer, bobcats, and owls recover. Each project in Crestview’s Design Thinking program emphasizes hands-on learning and prepares students with the skills and mindset to address future challenges.
To learn more about Crestview Preparatory School’s unique programs, caring community, and commitment to nurturing each child’s potential, or to schedule a campus tour, please visit www.crestviewprep.org and fill out our inquiry form.
About Crestview Preparatory School:
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, California, Crestview Preparatory School is a private, independent school serving students from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. Guided by a belief in the extraordinary potential of childhood, Crestview nurtures academic excellence while empowering students to learn joyfully, explore their unique talents, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging within a supportive community. Our mission-driven approach challenges students to become thoughtful innovators, compassionate leaders, and responsible members of their community. For more information, contact us at info@crestviewprep.org or (818) 952-0925.
