Design for Impact: Fourth Graders Launch Annual Design Convention
February 10, 2026
At The Episcopal School of Dallas, we believe that innovation begins with empathy. This month, our fourth-grade students are embarking on one of the most anticipated milestones of their Lower School journey: the Design Convention.
Formerly known as the Invention Convention, this cornerstone of our Innovation & Exploration (I&E) curriculum has evolved into a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary exercise in human-centered design. Over the past several weeks, our youngest entrepreneurs have transformed from curious learners into professional problem-solvers, proving that you are never too young to make a meaningful impact on your community.
Learning from the Experts
The journey began with an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the Eagles Nest, ESD’s campus store. Under the mentorship of Eagles Nest Manager Gabrielle Harrington, Eagles Nest Assistant Manager and Senior Buyer Jennifer Winton, and Eagles Nest Inventory and Data Entry Supervisor April Cook, students participated in mini “shifts” to understand the mechanics of a successful enterprise.
By studying product selection, marketing strategies, and operational logistics, students gained a real-world foundation in how ideas transition from a shelf to a consumer’s hands. This collaboration bridges the gap between classroom theory and campus commerce, setting the stage for their own creative ventures.
Empathy as the Engine of Innovation
The hallmark of a truly exceptional education is the ability to look beyond oneself. Following the design thinking model, our fourth graders conducted empathy interviews with faculty, staff, parents, and fellow students.
Their goal was simple but profound: Listen. By identifying the daily challenges and needs of the ESD community, students worked in teams of three to design a product or service that provides a tangible solution. This process ensures that their projects aren’t just inventions - they are intentional responses to the world around them.
From Prototype to Presentation
Once a need was identified, the work moved to the Design Lab. Under the guidance of Lower School Design Lab and Tech Coordinator Marlene Rizo, students navigated the iterative process of prototyping.
Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. Throughout the term, students refined their designs based on critical feedback from science classes with Lower School Science Teacher Laura Talbot and from collaborative morning meetings. This phase teaches our Eagles one of life’s most valuable lessons: that failure is simply a data point on the road to excellence.
A Culmination of Curiosity
The project reached its peak on February 10 and 11, when the fourth grade hosted the Design Convention showcase. This year, students presented their work to two distinct audiences:
- Upper School Entrepreneurs: Presenting their formal product requests and marketing plans to Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing Network Coordinator Amy Livingston’s Upper School entrepreneurship class—a true Shark Tank style exchange of ideas across divisions.
- The Parent Community: Showcasing the “why” behind their designs through creative digital presentations.
We invite the ESD community to join us in congratulating our fourth graders, who are demonstrating that at ESD, joy and rigor go hand-in-hand.
