What is Engineering?
Youth engineer a tower to support a model antenna and reflect on the Engineering Design Process they used.
Guiding Question
How can we design something to solve a problem?
TimingSetup
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. It will take about 5 minutes to prepare for this activity.
- Prepare a model antenna. Fold one index card in half widthwise and clip three binder clips to it.
- Arrange 100 index cards, a ruler, and a pair of scissors for each group on the Materials Table.
- Place 4 rolls of masking tape on the Materials Table for groups to share.
Youth Will Know
- Engineers use an Engineering Design Process as a tool to solve problems.
- Technology is any object, system, or process designed by people to solve a problem.
Youth Will Do
- Use the Engineering Design Process.
- Work together to engineer a tower to support a model antenna.
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
- Help youth see that they naturally did each of steps of the EDP as they engaged in the design challenge.
- If youth want to fix their designs, highlight the ‘Improve’ step on the EDP. If you don’t have extra time, tell youth they will have a whole period to improve future designs in Activity 5.