Maker Mondays

Being able to recognize a problem and design a potential solution is the first step in the development of new and useful products. In this activity, students create devices to get "that pesky itch in the center of your back." Once the idea is thought through, students produce design schematics (sketches). They are given a variety of everyday materials and recyclables, from which they prototype their back-scratching devices.

Engineers apply science and mathematics concepts to solve problems that improve the built world, including the design of buildings, bridges and other structures. As civil engineers design structures, they work through a cyclical process called the engineering design process to ensure that the structures are well-tested and designed within given constraints (such as a budget, limited construction materials and deadlines) and meet the specifications (such as size, weight, length, strength and environmental considerations). During this activity, student teams act as civil engineers to design and build model straw towers, taking into consideration limited materials, time and rules as they brainstorm, design, build and improve their structures.