Students will launch their role as math detectives, meet real users who solve addition and subtraction problems within 20, and create empathy maps grounded in direct quotes and observations to understand how others think about mental math.

Students will synthesize real user interview notes into patterns, define a focused math learning need, and craft a clear How Might We statement grounded in evidence to guide their puzzle design.

Students will generate a wide range of user-centered puzzle ideas, use structured brainstorming strategies to move beyond obvious solutions, and select top concepts grounded in real user evidence to prepare for prototyping.

Students will build, test, and improve low- and medium-fidelity math puzzle prototypes based on real user needs, documenting how feedback leads to specific design changes while demonstrating fluency in addition and subtraction within 20.

Students will validate their refined math puzzle stations with new users, revise based on real feedback, and present their full design journey during the Puzzle Solvers Parade and Library Math Detective Day. They will demonstrate fluency within 20 while clearly explaining the strategies and user evidence that shaped their final designs.