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How to Teach These Units

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What is Engineering?

Youth engage in an engineering design challenge using an Engineering Design Process (EDP), criteria, and constraints.

everyday hazards activity icon with Rosie the Rover building a tower with a stack of cards and three gears labeled E, D, and P

Guiding Question

How can we design something to solve a problem?

Activity Downloads

Timing

5 MIN. Introduction

5 MIN. Identify

20 MIN. Create

15 MIN. Test & Communicate

10 MIN. Wrap Up

55 MIN. TOTAL

Setup

The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.

  • Post EDP Poster.
  • Set up Group Materials: 100 index cards, ruler, scissors.
  • Set up Materials Table: 4 rolls masking tape.
  • Fill and seal water container.

Youth Will Know

  • The Engineering Design Process is a tool used by engineers to solve problems.
  • They are engineers and they can design a solution to a problem.

Youth Will Do

Work together to engineer a tower to support a model water tank.

Did you know?

Use duct tape much? You probably engineer more than you think. Anytime you design a makeshift tool because you don’t have exactly what you need, you are engineering.

Quick Tips

  • Identify each EDP step during the in wrap up.
  • Criteria:
    • Work in groups.
    • Elevate container 1 foot.
    • Support container for 10 seconds.
  • Constraints:
    • 20 minutes to work.
    • Limited to given materials.
    • Scissors and ruler cannot be in tower.

Glossary

  • Criteria: things that you or your design need to do
  • Constraints: ways that you or your design are limited