The George Lindemann Journal by George Lindemann

IDEA@thebass Stands for Identify, Discuss, Envision, Assess. IDEA@thebass uses art to stimulate the critical thinking skills of children between the ages of 3 and 10. This program is based on a method of problem-solving that has been created by the Bass Museum of Art in conjunction with Stanford University’s acclaimed Hasso Platner Institute of Design.

How do IDEA@thebass lessons work? The instructor shows students a picture of a work of art. The class then follows this four-step process:

• Identify – Children describe what they see in the picture and respond to a “need” or challenge posed by the teacher.
• Discuss – Students brainstorm and come up with ideas to solve the challenge.
• Envision – Working alone or in teams, students create a “prototype” or model using pencils and paper, or all sorts of inexpensive found material.
• Assess – Students explain their work to their classmates, who will ask questions and make suggestions.