Creature Features & the design process

The first step of the Design Process is ASK. We want to ask ourselves, “What is the problem we are trying to solve?”

If you created a new adaptation for an animal, what would it be?

• What animal are you adapting?
• Where does your animal live?
  • The forest?
  • A desert?
  • An ocean?
  • Another planet?
• What would its adaptations be based on where it lives?

In your engineering notebook, write down the ASK.

The second step of the Design Process is IMAGINE.

When you think of different body parts, what are the functions of each?

Function is what something does or is intended to do.

For example, the function of a nose is to smell! The function of eyes is to see! The function of fur is to protect the skin and provide warmth.

What new adaptations would you give your selected animal? What would the function of these new adaptations be?

It's time to sketch out your ideas for your adapted creature.

In your engineering notebook:

1. Sketch some of your ideas for your creature. It's best to have multiple ideas to refer back to. Sometimes you can even mesh ideas together!
2. Think about how you can make a model of you creature. We're going to try to build it out of stuff you have at home. Make a list or draw pictures of all the things you might be able to use to make your Creature Feature.
3. Now take a walk around your house with a grown up. Collect the items you listed. Can you find other things you can use, too?

Here’s a list of possible items:

• markers/crayons
• Scissors
• Toilet paper rolls
• Recycled paper (computer paper, newspaper, scrap paper)
• Construction paper
• Paper clips
• Tape
• Empty cereal box
• And so much more!

Pick an idea that you want to start with. You want to make a diagram, or detailed sketch, for your plan. The idea behind your PLAN is that someone else could look at your PLAN and build exactly what you had in mind!

In your engineering notebook:

1. Draw your creature.
2. Label the materials you'll use.
3. Label the features (adaptations) of your creatures (eyes, claws, fur, horns, etc.).

Now it's time to get creative and messy!

1. Gather the materials you need.
2. Build your first model.

Ask your family members in your house or your classmates online about your creature. Do they have any suggestions on how the model may be improved? After building the model, can you think of a way you can make it better?

Think about the suggestions you were given. Choose one, two, or all of them and improve your creature.

In your engineering notebook:

• Write down the suggestions from friends and family.
• What would you do to IMPROVE your creature?
• Sketch and label your new and improved creature.

MAKING THINGS WORK & MAKING THINGS WORK BETTER!

The last step of the Design Process is SHARE. If people didn't share their ideas and success with the world, society would be so different than it is today! By sharing your work and your results, you are helping the world.

Engineering the Future would love to see your robot designs. With the help and permission of a parent or legal guardian, you can add pictures or videos of your design and of you testing your design and tag us on Instagram (TM) with the tag @apsetf.

You can also share your work with your family, your friends, or maybe in a virtual classroom!