ACTIVITY 1.1: WHAT IS ENGINEERING? 

Activity 1.1 Introduction to Engineering and Design Thinking

Objective: 

Students will understand what engineering is, recognize that design must consider users, and participate in a hands-on design challenge that introduces the engineering design process.

Time:  10 minutes

Essential Question

How do engineers design solutions that work for everyone?

Materials

Presentation provided

Introduction

1. Tell students that they will begin a project where they will act as engineers solving real-world problems.

2. Explain that engineering is the practical application of science, mathematics, and creativity to design solutions that help people. Emphasize that engineering is about solving real problems in the world.

3. Ask students to think about everyday objects they use and briefly discuss how each one was designed to solve a problem.

4. Introduce the idea that good design must consider the user. Show examples from the presentation, such as airplane seats, tools, or environments, and guide students to notice that designs do not always work for everyone. Highlight that design should be inclusive and consider different users and needs.

5. Explain that this is why design thinking is important. Good design works for everyone.