Engineering Design Process

Each step will be documented in their engineering notebook (or equivalent).

Problem: Students identify a problem that a character or the community as a whole is facing.

Ask: Students create a list of important questions.

1. Has somebody tried to solve this problem?
2. What materials are available?
3. What were other types of solutions?

Imagine: Each student sketches out multiple designs independently. They share with their groups and they discuss the pros and cons of each design and brainstorm how they can either combine ideas or create something similar.

Plan: Each group member needs to sketch their final design idea in their notebook, labeled, with a short justification of how this helps solve their problem. They need to show their work before they get their materials.

Create: Students use our Makers Space to pick up their supplies that are needed in their plan. Using cooperative learning strategies each team builds a prototype for their solution.

Improve: After students see their design and test it, they are then able to discuss as a group what improvements are needed for their design. If they need more materials they need to get it approved through their teacher.

Present: Students practice their presentation skills by facing their audience, using appropriate volume and eye contact while presenting and bring their focus to the story.