Engineering design process
February 25th, 2023
Engineering design process instruction often culminates in students creating an item, such as computer code, a robot, or a structure, etc. What are 2-3 possible items students could create as a solution to an engineering design process lesson? Share any links or resources you find during your research.
Answer:
Here are three possible items that students could create as a solution to an engineering design process lesson:
- 3D Printed Object: Students could use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design a 3D object and then 3D print their design using a 3D printer. This could be a great way to introduce students to the world of additive manufacturing and prototyping. There are many resources available online for 3D printing projects and tutorials, including Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/) and Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/).
- Mobile Application: Students could learn how to program a mobile application using a platform like App Inventor (https://appinventor.mit.edu/). They could then design and create an app that solves a problem or addresses a need in their community. This could be a great way to introduce students to the world of software engineering and mobile development.
- Bridge or Tower: Students could design and build a physical structure, such as a bridge or tower, using materials like popsicle sticks, toothpicks, or spaghetti noodles. This could be a great way to introduce students to the world of civil engineering and structural design. There are many resources available online for building projects and tutorials, including TeachEngineering (https://www.teachengineering.org/).
Overall, the possibilities for items students can create as part of an engineering design process lesson are endless, and can be tailored to the interests and needs of the students. The important thing is to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and a willingness to iterate and improve upon their designs.
