Overview of the challenge

This challenge allows makers to reflect on their own physical and visual preferences in
creating an item that is individualized to their needs. They will explore the sense of
touch and sight to determine what sensations provide them with pleasure and can be
used to sooth.

Materials and Resources

Required

No-tech Low-tech High-tech

Felt Glitter Fabric Digital Resources: 3-D Printing
Bubble Wrap Paper Sandpaper TinkerCAD Woodworking
Tinfoil Bottles Wood P5.JS Metalshop
Stickers Balloons Pipe Genially Vidcode
Paint Glue cleaners Do Ink Bloxels
Pom Poms Tape Clay
Makey Makey
Wire Cardboard Thread
Microbits
String Scrap Metal Needles
Power tools

TinkerCad P5.JS Genially Do Ink Vidcode

Bloxels
Inclusive Maker Challenge Instructions
The Window of Tolerance, a term coined by Dr. Dan Siegal, is the visual
representation of what happens to our brains when we are in a moment of panic, stress,
anxiousness, depression or have experienced trauma. In the diagram, our window
refers to our amygdala - the part of our brain that controls our emotions. When we are
exposed to negative situations and/or triggers, our amygdalas send off a signal to tell us
that we are not safe - the window is now blown open. This is when our body naturally
reacts and goes into a hyper- or hypo-arousal state, also known as fight, flight, freeze or
fawn response.

By yourself or with a partner, you will create a visual representation of the Window of
Tolerance. This can be a physical or digital creation. Your project must demonstrate:

● The Window of Tolerance when it is closed

● The Window of Tolerance when it is experiencing a negative scenario or trigger
● And what it is like when your Window of Tolerance is open.
○ This can be an interactive demonstration with hands-on components or a
visual representation.

Challenge Objectives
1. I can describe the Window of Tolerance and how it relates to our body’s response
to stress, anxiety and/or trauma.
2. I can demonstrate what happens to the brain when it responds to stress, anxiety
and/or trauma.
3. I can describe skills and strategies that will help me respond to the fight, flight,
freeze or fawn response.

Critical Questions for Consideration

A. What does your window of tolerance look/feel like?
B. How might other people feel when they are out of their window of tolerance?
C. Why is it important to recognize when you are out of your window of tolerance?
D. What are ways you can combat hypo- or hyperarousal?
E. What are some triggers that might cause you to feel anxiety or stress?
F. Why do our bodies react this way to anxiety or stress?
Background/ Additional Information
KidsHelpPhone - Understanding Your Window of Tolerance for Stress
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/understanding-your-window-of-tolera
nce-for-stress

AnxietyCanada - Fight, Flight, Freeze video

AnxietyCanada - The Physical Symptoms of Stress article

Inclusivity Focus
The Window of Tolerance, especially when related to trauma, is a sensitive subject for
many people. Be sure to approach this subject from an inclusive, trauma-informed lens.
Be sure to create a safe and welcoming learning space for the makers by checking in
with yourself, seeking help if it is needed, being aware of your own triggers and current
state in relation to your own Window of Tolerance.

No-tech, Low-Tech, High-Tech Options

See materials list for no-tech, low-tech and high-tech options for this challenge.
Extensions
● This challenge can be an opportunity to explore the expressive arts by demonstrating
the Window of Tolerance as a play, a song or an interpretive dance.