This lesson introduces students to what Engineers do and the Engineering Design Process, a series of steps that engineers use to help solve problems. Our Wizard will take the students through the cycle of these steps so that they see the importance of one step of the process leading into, and effecting another. In addition, students will be given a challenge and will practice the essential engineering skill of designing within constraints, building, testing, and redesigning a prototype.
Technology Standards: STRAND: Design and Technology
Topic 1: Define and describe technology, including its core concepts of systems, resources, requirements, processes, controls, optimization and trade-offs.
Topic 2: Identify a problem and use an engineering design process to solve the problem.
Topic 3: Demonstrate that solutions to complex problems require collaboration, interdisciplinary understanding, and systems thinking.
Topic 4: Evaluate designs using functional, aesthetic and creative elements.