Engineering Design Process
This is the first step in which engineers identify a problem and learn what the solution must do.
What is Ask?
Amir identifies a problem with pencils rolling off students’ desks. He also identifies the criteria and constraints. This is what he should do next.
What is brainstorm possible solutions?
The requirements a successful solution must meet are called this.
What are criteria?
This person studies the natural world, asks questions, and conducts investigations.
Who is a scientist?
Any object, system, or process created to solve a problem or meet a need or want is called this.
What is technology?
During this step, engineers brainstorm several possible solutions.
What is Imagine?
Bella brainstorms three ways to keep her lunch cold and chooses the best idea. This is what she should do next.
What is draw and label a plan?
The rules or limits placed on an engineering solution are called this.
What are constraints?
This person uses science and mathematics to design solutions to problems.
Who is an engineer?
A model used to test how a design may work is called this.
What is a prototype?
During this step, engineers choose an idea, draw a labeled diagram, and list their materials.
What is Plan?
Caleb finishes drawing a plan for his model bridge and lists all his materials. This is what he should do next.
What is build a prototype?
A bridge must hold at least 20 toy cars. This is an example of this part of the challenge.
What is a criterion?
Scientists often follow this process to answer questions using investigations and evidence.
What is the scientific method?
Giving up one benefit to gain another benefit is called this.
What is a trade-off?
During this step, engineers build a prototype based on their plan.
What is Create?
Daniel finishes building a container designed to protect a cell phone from a fall. This is what he should do next.
What is test the prototype?
Students may only use 20 craft sticks and one meter of tape. This is an example of this part of the challenge.
What is a constraint?
Scientists collect information about water pollution. Engineers use that information to design this.
What is a solution that reduces or cleans water pollution?
An engineer uses a lighter material to make a bicycle helmet more comfortable, but the material costs more. Identify the trade-off.
The helmet is lighter and more comfortable, but it is more expensive.
Engineers use test results to make changes that help their solution work better.
What is Improve?
Elena tests her paper airplane. The goal is five meters, but it only travels two meters. This is what she should do next.
What is improve the design and test it again?
A model boat must float, carry 15 pennies, cost less than $10, and be built in 30 minutes. Name one criterion and one constraint.
Explain one way scientists and engineers work together.
Scientists collect evidence and explain how things work, while engineers use that evidence to design and improve solutions.
A company designs a reusable water bottle that lasts longer but is heavier to carry. Explain the benefit and drawback.
The benefit is that the bottle lasts longer and creates less waste. The drawback is that it is heavier to carry.