Shift Gears to Engineering Design

Compare Engineering Design with

Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Inquiry Engineering Design
Formulate a question. Define a problem.
Research how others have answered it. Research how others have solved it.
Brainstorm hypotheses and choose one. Brainstorm solutions and select one.
Conduct an investigation, and collect and Create and test a prototype, and collect
analyze data. and analyze data.
Modify hypothesis based on results. Redesign solution based on tests.
Draw conclusion, write paper. Finalize design, make drawings.
Submit paper for peer review. Present optimal solution to client.
Ask new question Define new problem.
Modified from a chart by Dr. Cary Sneider, Associate Research Professor, Center for Science Education
,Portland State University (from ODE)
 Engineering Design Process

Source: http://dhsengineering.pbworks.com/
Ask the problem; Imagine solutions; Plan your
design; Create and test it out; Improve your design
From wpi.edu/+stem
 Why is it necessary?
• “Engaging in engineering design helps
students understand the work of engineers
• Appreciate the links between science and
engineering
• Forms an understanding of crosscutting
concepts and disciplinary ideas
• Makes students’ knowledge more meaningful
• Embeds it more deeply into their worldview.”
A Framework for K-12 Science Education from the National Research Council
Focus on an Engineering Design
Activity
 Directions
• Working in pairs, you will build a two wheeled,
balloon powered “car”
• Directions are on a handout
• Materials needed
– Flexible straw
– Two life savers
– Craft stick
– Tape
– Balloon
– Scissor
• Pictere
Possible Redesigns?
Possible changes
• Four life saver wheels
• Different bodies (e.g., small soda bottles,
small milk container, piece of cardboard,
shape)
• Different wheels (e.g., CDs, soda bottle caps)
• Different sized balloons
 WHEN PLANNING!!!
• Do plan to allow students to redesign and
carry out that redesign!

• For the sake of time, we won’t be doing that

(poor modeling!!!! Don’t emulate!)
 Potential STEM Topics Covered
• Kinetic Energy (converted energy as air leaves
balloon and causes motion)
• Potential Energy (energy stored in stretching
balloon
• Newton’s Laws (equal and opposite reaction)
• Conservation of energy (transfer of energy)
• Forces (friction, gravity)
• Simple machine (wheel and axle)
• Measurement (time, distance)
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs)

• Developing and using models

• Planning and carrying out
investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Designing solutions (for
engineering)
• Engaging in argument from evidence
morrell@up.edu