The engineering design process (EDP) is like the secret recipe used by engineers all over the globe to tackle brain-busters and come up with some seriously cool solutions. Nowadays in schools, especially for those brainy STEM subjects, itâs the new rock star, helping to shape our future Einsteins and Elon Musks. This guide to teaching the engineering design process is like a superhero trio of science smarts, math magic, and creative genius, teaming up to kick problem-solving into high gear. Ready to get started? Letâs go!
What is engineering?
Letâs break down what âengineeringâ really is. You might picture engineers as a group of folks who share a knack for building, designing, and problem-solving. But itâs more than just that. Itâs about shared practices and ways of thinking that are deeply ingrained in us. And guess what? Not all engineers think or work the same way, even if theyâre in the same field. Itâs all about where they studied, how they were trained, and their unique experiences.
Now, hereâs the thing: We often donât realize how our engineering approach differs from others until we bump into those who do things differently. It can feel a bit weird stepping outside our comfort zone. And while itâs awesome to learn from different approaches, itâs also crucial to respect and value our own. After all, thereâs no one-size-fits-all in engineering!
Why teach engineering?
Introducing engineering in K-12 education is a pathway to unlocking endless possibilities for our young learners. As the late Joseph Bordogna, former deputy director of the National Science Foundation, eloquently put it, âScientists investigate what is; they discover new knowledge in the universe by peering into the unknown. Engineers design and create what has never existed before.â
By teaching engineering, weâre not just imparting technical skills, weâre fostering a mindset of innovation and creativity. Weâre empowering students to become more than just consumers of technology. Weâre shaping them to be the inventors and problem-solvers of tomorrow, capable of designing and creating what has never existed before.
The engineering design process defined
Â
The engineering design process is like a roadmap that engineers use to tackle problems and come up with cool solutions. Itâs a series of steps that help them create stuff that works well and wonât break the bank. The best part? Itâs not a one-and-done deal. The EDP is all about brainstorming, getting feedback, and tweaking things until theyâre just right. So, itâs a continuous ride on the innovation roller coaster where great ideas meet some serious trial-and-error in the quest for the perfect solution.
Steps of the engineering design process
Letâs break down the EDP into six easy steps:
1. Ask: âWhatâs the problem?â
Picture yourself as a detective. Youâve got to figure out whatâs going wrong, why itâs happening, and what weâd like to happen instead.
2. Research: Homework time
Now, you need to roll up your sleeves and do some research. Gather all the facts and figures about the problem. Itâs like doing a deep dive into the problemâs life story.
3. Imagine: Brainstorm bonanza
With all that info in your brain, start cooking up some solutions. Go wild! No idea is too crazy at this stage.
4. Plan: Pick your champion
Now, look at all those brilliant ideas and pick the best one. Think about whatâs doable, whatâs cost-effective, and what will be super-efficient.
5. Create: Prototype party
Time to bring your chosen solution to life! Build a prototype and put it through its paces to see if itâs up to scratch.
6. Test and improve: Make it better
Finally, donât rest on your laurels. Use any feedback you get to tweak and improve your design until itâs the best it can be.
There you have it! The EDP in a nutshell. Not as daunting as it sounds, right?
If youâre looking for some printable posters or student handouts for the steps of the EDP, check out these posters from Teach Engineering!
How to teach the engineering design process
Teaching the EDP is like giving students a superpower for tackling problems and thinking critically. Itâs all about getting their hands dirty with projects, diving into STEM activities, and taking on real-world engineering challengesâthink building bridges or planning a rocket launch (NASA, weâre coming for you!).
You can make learning interactive and fun by using cool tech tools like interactive whiteboards and 3D modeling software. Why not spice things up with videos and podcasts too? Theyâre great for breaking down complex concepts.
And donât forget about those epic engineering design challenges. Theyâre a fantastic way to introduce students to the EDP and get them excited about problem-solving.
But hey, youâre not alone in this. The internet is bursting with resources to help you rock the EDP teaching game. From free STEM lessons to engaging activities and handy instructional videos, itâs all just a click away.
Lessons and Activity Ideas
1. Picture books
Sarah McClelland from Little Bins for Little Hands has curated a fantastic collection of the top 14 Engineering Books for Kids. And hereâs a pro tip: If youâre planning to incorporate these books into your classroom activities, why not bring in some guest readers via YouTube to share these picture books with your students? For an out-of-this-world experience, check out Story Time From Space, where astronauts aboard the International Space Station read books like Rosie Revere, Engineer! Itâs a stellar way to inspire young minds and introduce them to the fascinating world of engineering.
2. STEM curriculum by Teach Engineering
Feeling overwhelmed about incorporating the Engineering Design Process (EDP) into your classroom? No worries! The University of ColoradoâBoulderâs Engineering Department and the National Science Foundation have developed a free, comprehensive K-12 Curriculum Database. Regardless of grade level, time limitations, or EDP familiarity, youâll find complete lessons with videos, handouts, and more. Plus, its user-friendly search feature makes it easy to find suitable lessons, maker challenges, and units from its extensive library in no time!
3. PBS Design Squad
Offer kid-friendly challenges that encourage independent learning and creativity with PBS Design Squad. A unique feature they provide is a âstuff spinner,â where children can enter the materials they have available, and the tool will suggest a project tailored to their interests. This interactive approach enables kids to apply the engineering design process using everyday items, fostering their problem-solving skills and ingenuity.
They also feature an engaging TV series aimed at inspiring young engineers. In each episode, two teams go head-to-head, putting their design skills to the test to create the most innovative solutions. Itâs a thrilling way to motivate students in their engineering endeavors!
4. Secondary Engineering Design Process Worksheet
Edutopia provides a comprehensive, step-by-step graphic organizer ideal for secondary teachers introducing the EDP to their students. The beauty of this organizer is its versatility; it can be seamlessly integrated into any EDP activity!
5. Career connections
Career connections from Teach Engineering are an engaging and low-risk way to show students how the engineering design process works in real-life engineering jobs. They come with handy cheat sheets for each grade level, making it easy for students to see how EDP fits into different careers. Plus, there are curriculum links and YouTube videos for every grade level to make learning about this stuff more fun and engaging!