FAQs

Q: How should I facilitate the Design Challenge?

A simple flow: Introduce the challenge and spark excitement, let students explore the materials, have them sketch or plan using the Design Worksheet, then build, test, and improve. Encourage iteration; students don't need to get it right the first time. Trying, adjusting, and reimagining is part of the process.

Question 1

What comes with the Wonder Widgets?

Accepted Answer

Each Wonder Widget Box comes with:

2 You Choose Books (You Choose 1 & You Choose 2)
16 Wonder Widget Cards
25 3D-Printed Fidgets
1000 Magnet Blocks
24 Trilobite Glasses
20 Balancing Birds
60 Magnet People
50 Magnet Balls
4 Metal Sheets
1 Magnetic Field Sheet

Check out the Wonder Widgets Catalog for more details on each object and how they can be used.

Question 2

How do I use the Wonder Widgets?

Accepted Answer

Wonder Widgets are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and open-ended exploration. There is no single right way to use them. You can also use Wonder Widgets during transitions, brain breaks, or as part of Build activities.

Question 3

How long do you recommend I set aside for Play?

Accepted Answer

Play time recommendations: 5 minutes for quick reset or transition, 15–30 minutes for ideal exploration time, 45+ minutes for deeper creative builds. Adjust based on your schedule and your students' needs.

Question 4

How do I use the FutureTime playground with my class?

Accepted Answer

FutureTime is designed to spark discussion, imagination, and big thinking.

You can:

Facilitate as a whole-class experience on a smart board
Break students into small groups for collaborative thinking
Let students explore independently on devices

Each activity can be used as:

A full lesson
A warm-up
A transition activity

There is no single pathway—follow your students’ curiosity.

Question 5

How should I deliver the FutureTime lesson?

Accepted Answer

FutureTime lessons are built around questions and dialogue. As you guide students through the experience, pause often and invite them to share what they think. Encourage multiple perspectives, unexpected ideas, and creative reasoning.

There’s no single “correct” path. These lessons are about imagining possibilities and connecting ideas, so feel free to linger on whatever areas resonate with your class and make the presentation your own!

Question 6

How much time does the lesson take?

Accepted Answer

Most FutureTime lessons take about 15–30 minutes, depending on how much discussion you invite.

If your students are especially engaged, it’s great to linger. If you’re short on time, the lessons can also work as quick, high-impact activities.

Question 7

How do I set up for the Build?

Accepted Answer

Think of your classroom as a mini design studio.

Set up a shared materials table with all containers easily accessible. Larger materials can be placed nearby. Students can gather what they need and bring it back to their workspace.

Place tools like glue guns, scissors, and markers at designated work stations to encourage movement and sharing.

Question 8

How should I facilitate the Design Challenge?

Accepted Answer

A simple flow:

Introduce the challenge and spark excitement
Let students explore the materials
Have them sketch or plan using the Design Worksheet
Build, test, and improve

Encourage iteration; students don’t need to get it “right” the first time. Trying, adjusting, and reimagining is part of the process.

Question 9

How long do you recommend we set aside for Build?

Accepted Answer

Build time typically takes 30–45 minutes for creating and 10–15 minutes for cleanup, totaling 45–60 minutes. Some students will finish quickly; others may want extended time—both are great.

Question 10

How should I clean up and store the Build Materials at the end of the activity?

Accepted Answer

Cleanup works best when it's part of the routine. Set aside 10–15 minutes and give students ownership. For example, assign each student or group a specific material to collect and return to its container. Materials can be reused for future challenges or added to a general creative materials bin.

Question 11

How should I have my students reflect on and/or share their work?

Accepted Answer

Reflection helps students connect their ideas to the bigger picture.

You can:

Use the Sharing Worksheet
Have students present in pairs or small groups
Host a quick “design showcase”
Create short infomercials or demos

These moments help students see themselves not just as designers and builders, but as thinkers shaping possible futures!

You Choose Books

Wonder Widget Cards

3D-Printed Fidgets

Magnet Blocks

Trilobite Glasses

Balancing Birds

Magnet People

Magnet Balls

Metal Sheets

Magnetic Field Sheet

Browse our FAQs below for tips on how to use our content with your class!

Play FAQs

Learn FAQs

Build FAQs