What is Engineering?
Youth engage in an engineering design challenge using an Engineering Design Process (EDP), criteria, and constraints.
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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.
Activity Downloads
P1_What_Is_Engineering_Educator_Guide
What Is Engineering Educator Guide
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P1_What_Is_Engineering_Engineering_Journal
What Is Engineering Engineering Notebook (English)
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P1_What_Is_Engineering_Engineering_Journal_Spanish
What Is Engineering Engineering Notebook (Spanish)
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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.
Guiding Question
How can we design something to solve 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
Activity Timing
5 min
Introduction
5 min
Identify
20 min
Create
15 min
Test & Communicate
10 min
Reflect
55 min
Total