Module 4: Introduction to Engineering Design-Science 2 - Course Guide

Module Overview:

In this module, students will learn to list the steps of the engineering design process, make connections between engineers and scientists, construct a definition of a problem, brainstorm solutions to a problem, design and test a solution, and analyze the outcome of a design solution.

Module Materials:

Lesson # Lesson Title Material(s)
1 Solving Problems paper
ruler or measuring tape
2 Defining a Problem None
3 Testing a Solution items from around the house to build a wearable solution;

Module Objectives:

Lesson # Lesson Title Objective(s)
1 Solving Problems
  1. List the steps of the engineering design process.
  2. Make connections between engineers and scientists.
2 Defining a Problem
  1. Construct a definition of a problem.
  2. Brainstorm solutions to a problem.
3 Testing a Solution
  1. Design and test a solution.
  2. Analyze the outcome of a design solution.

Module Key Words:

Key Words
scientist
engineer
engineering design process
problem-solving
product
prototype

Module Assignments:

Lesson # Lesson Title Page # Assignment Title
1 Solving Problems 6 Paper Airplane Challenge Assignment
2 Defining a Problem 6 Wear a Solution Assignment
3 Testing a Solution 6 Create Your Wearable Solution Assignment

Learning Coach Notes:

Lesson # Lesson Title Notes
1 Solving Problems After completing this lesson, ask your student to describe the engineering design process.
2 Defining a Problem After completing this lesson, ask your student to describe what they learned about defining a problem.
3 Testing a Solution After completing this lesson, ask your student to explain why it is important to test a solution to a problem multiple times.

Module Guiding Questions:

When a student starts a lesson ask them questions to check for prior knowledge and understanding and to review concepts being taught. At the end of the lesson ask the questions again to see if their answer changes.

Lesson Title Question
Solving Problems
  1. How do scientists and engineers solve problems?
Defining a Problem
  1. How can you come up with a solution to a problem?
Testing a Solution
  1. Why is it important to test a solution to a problem?

Module Video Questions:

When a student watches a video take time to ask them questions about what they watched. Suggested questions for the videos in this module are listed here. Suggestion: Have the student watch the entire video first all the way through. Then have them watch the video a second time, as they watch it pause the video and ask the questions.

Lesson Title Video Question
Solving Problems Fly a Kite
  1. How did Bianca and Sari use the engineering design process?
Defining a Problem What is my Problem?
  1. What two steps of the design process did Bianca work through?

Module Suggested Read Aloud Books:

Take time to read to your student or have them read aloud to you. Read a different book each day. While reading the book point out concepts being taught. You may purchase these books or find them at your local library. Suggested things to discuss while reading the book:

  • What is the main idea?
  • What are three things new you learned?
  • How does this book relate to what you are learning about?

# Book Author Lexile Level
1 Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge Rachel Dougherty 960L

Module Outing:

Take some time to apply what your student is learning to the real world. Suggested outings are below.

# Outing