What is Engineering?

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. 

How can we design something to solve a problem?  

• Use the Engineering Design Process. 
• Work together to engineer a tower to support a model antenna. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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