In this challenge, you will learn about what scientists and engineers do, and what makes their research and careers different.
Supplies:
Paper
Pencils, markers, or pens
A scientist is a person who studies the world around us. This exploration is called “research” and it involves what is called the Scientific Method.
The Scientific Method is a process that allows scientists to make an educated guess, or hypothesis, about the world around them. Then, they conduct research and test the hypothesis before reaching a conclusion. Sometimes the steps of the process need to be repeated multiple times before a conclusion is reached.
Video: Think like a Scientist
In this activity, we want you to put your thinking caps on and pretend to be a scientist.
Pretend you're a scientist who studies penguins. What would you like to know about penguins?
Make a list of all the things you would want to learn about penguins. See if you can come up with at least 5 things!
Be ready to snap a pic of your list and upload it with your work this week!
An engineer is a person who uses basic scientific principles (which scientists found in their research) to develop new and useful devices, processes, and other solutions. In many cases, these solutions make the lives of humans easier and better.
Engineers often use a process called the Engineering Design Process, which is similar to the scientific method but focuses more on applying ideas to creating and improving something new to solve a problem. The Engineering Design Process is: Ask a question, Imagine a solution, Plan the solution, Create the solution, Test the solution, Improve understanding to better solve a problem.
That doesn’t mean that engineers don’t engage in scientific research: in fact, many engineers will use science to help them solve problems and scientists will also use engineering principles to develop better tools and techniques for their research.
Think of it this way: scientists are interested in understanding the outside world for its own sake while engineers are interested in using science to solve problem
Video: How the engineering design process is like having a taco party
Video: What's an engineer?
Take that list of things you wanted to learn about penguins. Now, pretend that you are an engineer.
How can the research that scientists collect on penguins help you make better technology, devices, etc for humans? What are some ways that engineers can look at the scientific research and think about making our lives better?
Try to think of 1 or 2 things (or more!) can could make our lives easier or better, and might be inspired by research on penguins.
Make sure to snap a pic of the list and upload it!
Video: All about penguins
Use this video help come up with ideas for this activity.
COVID-19 social distancing practices have changed how mail and food delivery looks in your neighborhood. Your neighbors know you’re an engineer so they’ve asked if you can think of a way to get packages and food from the sidewalk to your front porch under the following constraints:
Package or food must be signed for/must have human recipient
Must maintain a distance of at least six feet when possible.
THE CHALLENGE:
Come up with 1-2 ideas (can be completely serious or completely wacky) on how an engineer would get a package from a delivery driver to your front porch.
Then, draw your idea/solution. Make sure to label the different components clearly because you will be taking a picture and uploading your final designs.
(You are also welcome to test out this idea, but please be safe!)
Things to consider:
How far the sidewalk/road is from the porch (distance)
How high the porch is from the sidewalk (elevation)
Is there a yard between the porch and the sidewalk? What about a driveway?
Are there obstacles like a dog, a fence or steps?
What is the minimal distance that a person can be?
What can you design (or use) to get the packages from the sidewalk to the porch without problems?
What is the size and shape of the package? Can it roll? How about dragging?
Will you need to provide something to pad or protect the package?
Will you use levers, pulleys, motors, etc.?
