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Engineering
Design Process Unit Overview
Why are we learning
about
the engineering design process?
Engineers solve
technological problems. There are many different types of
engineers, including industrial engineers, structural engineers,
mechanical engineers, aeronautical engineers, and many more. All
engineers use similar steps to solve problems in their respective
fields.
Engineering students must become familiar with these
steps in order to create engineering solutions of their own.
What are the
basic
steps of the engineering design process?
First, and most
importantly, engineers must fully identify the problem.
Next engineers research and gather information about the problem.
Then possible solutions are gathered.
Engineers then select the best solution for the problem.
Next, a prototype is built to test the solution.
Then engineers will communicate their solution using drawings,
written reports, and/or demonstrations.
Finally, redesign is often needed to ensure an optimum design
solution.
These steps are often repeated many times before an engineering problem
is solved.
Will there be any
classroom
activities to help us learn about the steps of the engineering design
process?
We will examine each
step
and the specific activities associated with it.
We will investigate the engineering properties of some common
gadgets, and identify the activities that engineers may have used to
develop these devices.
Students will identify a problem and develop a solution for it, using
the specific activities associated with the steps of the engineering
design process.
Students will communicate their design solutions via precise
drawings, written descriptions, and classroom presentations.
We will develop written responses for a variety of open response test
items to reinforce students' mastery of the unit concepts, and to
prepare for the Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS test.
Will there be a test?
Students will be assessed on their ability to apply each of the steps
of the engineering design process clearly and completely. Mastery of unit
vocabulary, details, and broad concepts will also be measured via multiple choice and written open response test items.
Which Massachusetts
learning
standards will we cover?
Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework 2:
2.1 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design
process, i.e., identify the need of problem, research the problem,
develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s),
construct a prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s),
and redesign.
2.2 Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design
problem, e.g., sketches, orthographic projections, multiview drawings.
2.3 Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.
2.5 Explain how such design features as size, shape, weight,
function, and cost limitations would affect the construction of a given
prototype.
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