Engineering
What is Engineering?
Engineers use their understanding of science and math to design and create devices, structures and systems that improve our lives. While scientists investigate things that already exist in our world, engineers make things that have never existed before!
How do I design an engineering project?
You can be an engineer! Do you see a problem in your life? How might you use your science and math skills to solve it?
Every engineering project looks a little different because each invention is unique, but they all follow a similar process.
Identify a problem
Do your research and learn more about the problem
Develop a possible solution (brainstorm as many ideas as you can, and pick the best!)
Design your solution (plan it out before you build it!)
Build a prototype or model of your solution that you can test
Evaluate your solution -- Does it solve the problem? Does it work they way you want it to?
Make improvements to your design, and test it again!
Engineers, like scientists, are trying to answer a question: "How can I design a [solution] to [solve a problem]?" These questions aren't answered with a simple yes/no, and require the engineer to explain how their design works!
What do I need to keep in mind?
You don't have to be an adult to do this kind of project! Check out these 10 inventions engineered by kids like you!
Engineers often make improvements to existing items-- Just consider how much the telephone has changed over the years!
Engineers can also combine two things to solve a problem-- A magnet and a mirror combined solve the problem of hanging a mirror in your locker at school!
Check out the videos at the bottom of this page to learn more about engineers and the engineering process!
dID YOU KNOW THIS IS eNGINEERING?
sNUGGIE
The slanket was originally designed to solve the problem of having to remove your arm from a cozy blanket to do things-- but this cool (or should we say warm) invention also solves other problems, like providing an easy way for people in wheelchairs to keep warm while still being able to get around!
Toothbrush
The first toothbrushes were made from the hair of a Siberian wild boar that was attached to a bamboo or bone handle. Because the hair was too stiff for many people, over the years there have been many different designs that allow people to clean their teeth more comfortably and effectively.
swiffer
Thanks to the engineers behind Swiffer, the way we wipe away dust and dirt has changed. The Swiffer Duster extends to help people clean hard to reach places that would normally be missed. Another product by Swiffer, the WetJet, combines the traditional mop and bucket system into one. Using the WetJet has helped people save gallons of water each year!
Watch and learn!
Watch the videos below to learn more about engineers and the process they use to solve problems!
*You are unable to view YouTube videos on district-provided devices, and may need to use a personal device to access
learn more as a family!
This documentary, available through Netflix, is appropriate for ages 7+ and describes how engineers are responsible for important technological innovations that propel us into the future. The film highlights working engineers from different backgrounds, most of them women. They work on a variety of projects, from building earthquake-proof structures to foot bridges in developing countries. Viewers will also meet a young engineer whose love of STEM began in an after-school robotics club.