Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to use materials, tools, and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity.
Materials and Prep
List of Materials:
- Assorted household items (e.g., paper clips, rubber bands, cardboard)
- Basic tools (e.g., scissors, glue, tape)
- Optional: specific materials related to a chosen need or opportunity
Preparation: Make sure all materials are easily accessible and set up a workspace for the activities.
Activities
- Activity 1 - Design Challenge: Present the student with a specific need or opportunity (e.g., building a bridge to cross a gap). Ask them to brainstorm and sketch a design using the provided materials.
- Activity 2 - Build and Test: Have the student construct their design using the materials. Encourage them to test the solution and make improvements as needed.
- Activity 3 - Reflect and Improve: After testing, discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Challenge the student to modify their design to make it more effective.
Talking Points
- "When faced with a problem, engineers use materials and tools creatively to come up with solutions."
- "It's important to plan and sketch your design before building to ensure it meets the need or opportunity."
- "Testing and refining your solution is a key part of the engineering process."
- "Reflecting on your design helps you understand what worked well and what can be improved."