Design Skill Builders

Help students think like designers.

Design Skill Builders are quick activities for grades 2-12 that build creative confidence, problem solving, and flexible thinking. Students practice core skills such as noticing details, exploring different perspectives, generating ideas, and refining their work.

Designed to be flexible and easy to implement, these resources can be adapted to support existing curricula across a wide range of subject areas. Choose a skill to access classroom-ready activities, routines, and resources inspired by objects from Cooper Hewitt’s collection.