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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).

Guiding Question

How can we design something to solve a problem?

Activity Downloads

Timing

5 MIN. Present the Message from the Duo

5 MIN. Set the Stage

5 MIN. Imagine

20 MIN. Plan and Create

10 MIN. Tower Showcase

5 MIN. Reflect

50 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.

  1. Print and post the EDP Poster.
  2. Get the Message from the Duo ready.
  3. Make card samples (Engineering Journal p. 2).

Listen Up!

A Message from the Duo

Youth Will Know

The Engineering Design Process is a tool they can use to help solve problems.

Youth Will Do

Engineer an index card tower that can support a stuffed animal.

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

  • Find and be ready to play the Messages from the Duo.
  • Alternatively, print the Messages from the Duo from the Educator Guide and hide under somebody’s chair as a “secret message” that needs to be found and read.
  • In wrap up, identify each step of the EDP used in the activity.

Glossary

  • Material: what something is made of
  • Engineering Design Process: the steps that engineers use to design something to solve a problem—Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve!