Prototýpci (L2)

Prototýpci for lower secondary school students (grades 6–9, ages 11–15) are educational programs focused on developing creativity, entrepreneurship, adaptability, and critical thinking through experiential project days.

Key Activities and Student Experience
Students at the lower secondary level work on more complex and abstract tasks than younger children. The activities develop critical thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial skills. The program is diverse and includes various thematic modules:

• From Participation to Action – students learn that they can influence their surroundings. They analyze a school or social issue, identify its causes, plan solutions, and implement their own mini-project. They gain hands-on experience with civic participation and responsibility.
• Idea Factory – this program develops creative thinking, brainstorming, and working with ideas. Students learn that every idea has value and can lead to innovation. They study examples of successful innovations and practice generating and refining their own ideas.
• Design Detective – an introduction to the principles of design thinking. Students learn to perceive the needs of others and create solutions that are not only aesthetic but also functional and practical.
• Design and Architecture Around Us – students look at the world through the eyes of architects and designers. They design their dream house, build a city model, and discuss how the environment shapes the lives of communities and individuals.
• Chaos Without Panic – students go through a series of games and creative challenges that teach adaptability, independent decision-making, and teamwork in changing conditions. They strengthen resilience and the ability to respond to uncertainty.
• Innovators in Action – this program focuses on turning ideas into real projects. Students use simple tools of innovative thinking, such as the Lean Canvas or Six Thinking Hats. They learn how to transform an idea into a functional solution that can help others.

Program Features and Principles
The program emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, design approaches, and teamwork. Unlike the primary level, it places greater focus on more complex concepts such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, empathy, and personal development. A key principle is experiential learning – students learn by creating, experimenting, and reflecting.

Methodology and Structure
Each project day consists of four 45-minute blocks and is based on problem-based learning, teamwork, and reflection. The structure guides students from inspiration and analysis through designing solutions to presentation and sharing results. Emphasis is placed on practical activities, discussions, and connections to real-life situations. Teachers are provided with methodological materials that facilitate the implementation of activities and allow them to adapt them to the specific needs of their class.

Expected Outcomes and Value
Lower secondary students develop advanced creative and entrepreneurial thinking, learn adaptability, and gain confidence in presenting and implementing their ideas. They improve their teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. They learn how to analyze problems, design functional solutions, and consider the broader impacts of their decisions.