Explore and create: Exploratory Creation lab 
Preregistration Required
In this session, participants will use design thinking principles to highlight a current problem and design a practical solution using the unique Putting Out Fires Framework. The Putting Out Fires Framework helps educators analyze and categorize multiple solutions, brainstorm implementation strategies, and discuss how to best select the right solutions. The Putting Out Fires Framework consists of four sections for solutions to be placed in the order they can be used.
- Extinguish is a solution where the problem is quickly assessed and addressed but might come back soon.
- Detect is a solution where more time has been spent analyzing the problem and assessing a solution that could work but is not a long-term remedy.
- Contain is where the problem has been confined to a small space where it can be further studied and cause minimal impact.
- Prevent is a solution that eliminates the problem but involves a lot of resources, time, and people.
Using design thinking principles, this session will utilize hands-on activities to help educators highlight a problem in their classroom and create a practical solution they feel confident implementing in their classrooms. We will deem the session a success when educators are able to highlight a problem, create a solution, and leave the session feeling confident implementing the solution.
With the 60 minutes provided, participants will use design thinking principles to highlight a current problem and design a practical solution using the Putting Out Fires Framework.
10 minutes - introduction to the presenter and the importance of this topic
10 minutes - introduction to the idea of Upstream thinking about solving problems before they happen and how this translates into education
30 minutes - (10 minutes) hands-on design thinking practice including finding a problem, (10 minutes) empathizing with users, and (10 minutes) creating a solution to the problem using the Putting Out Fires Framework (this section will include numerous interactive activities for individuals and small groups)
5 minutes - Next steps: how to implement the solution practically
5 minutes - Q&A
Putting Out Fires framework image https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ij252f0IXYCUuhYJ81I9HuCwffwS-fdm/view?usp=sharing
Putting Out Fires framework Admin example with solutions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gbNrP7YeTIlIo9TElFoR98V6D4Y7l1y9/view?usp=sharing
Upstream thinking research: https://heathbrothers.com/books/upstream/
Design Thinking Activities: https://www.design-thinking-playbook.com/playbook-en?lang=en
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