Engineering Steps
Engineering is the application of science and technology to solving a problem. Engineers look for problems they want to solve or how to improve a process or physical design. Creating an invention is an example of an engineering a solution.
Follow the Engineering Steps below to complete your project.
AskAs with investigations, the key to defining the project is by posing the right question. Students can ask themselves, “What bothers me?” “What have I heard other people complaining about?” Is it something that could be fixed or improved on. Find a local problem or something that needs to be improved.
ImagineBrainstorm several ideas and consider many different solutions. Then, research your idea to find out what others know. This might include looking at other products or solutions that exist already.
PlanSelect one solution and make a plan! Design the solution and the method for testing to see if it works.
CreateCreate a solution and explain why it should work. Build a prototype using a physical model or Computer-Aided-Design Software.
TestTest the solution and collect data to be sure your solution made a change. Make sense of the data – how do you know it worked, or didn’t work? Did it solve the identified problem?
ImproveHow could you improve your solution? Make revisions based on your test results and observations. Draw new designs to continue to improve your idea.
