Lesson Synopsis:
Students explore how playgrounds have evolved from early sand gardens and rotating equipment to today’s inclusive, sensory-friendly, and adventure-based play spaces. They examine how design choices reflect changing ideas about safety, creativity, and community. Finally, they imagine future playgrounds powered by renewable energy and shaped by the needs of diverse users.

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Learning Objectives:

• Investigate how playground designs from the past met children’s needs and community goals.
• Analyze present-day playground features with attention to safety, inclusivity, and sustainability.
• Envision multiple future playground concepts that respond to people, environments, and emerging technologies.
• Prototype a creative playground feature that reflects future-focused design thinking.

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Build Challenge:
Students will design and build a model of a future playground that is imaginative, inclusive, and environmentally responsive.