Engineer your way through multiple problems. Design solutions while you experience the engineering process through questioning, planning, building, testing, and analyzing your creation. Register today!
Cost: $4 per student
Standard labs are booked for a minimum of 15 students with a minimum price of $60.
Next Generation Science Standards
K-2-ETS1: Engineering Design
- k-2-ETS-1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool
- K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an objet helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
- K-2-ETS1-3: Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
- K-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object
Engineering Design Pre-Visit Information
During Your Visit to the ScienceWorks Lab students will be expected to:
- Sit in tables of 6 students and (at least) 1 adult
- Students should be prepared to give their attention to the Lab instructors when requested.
- Work both individually and with a partner
- Follow the hands-on procedures just as the Lab teacher or assistant explains them
- Handle materials and equipment carefully
It is important that teachers and chaperones:
- Help to focus the students’ attention
- Assist students with the hands-on activities and experiments when necessary
- Turn off cell phones during the class
Vocabulary
Engineer: A person who designs, builds, or maintains technical equipment.
Engineering Process: The process that engineers use to help them problem solve
Brainstorm: produce an idea for solving a problem
Design: To decide upon the look and function of an object, typically by making a detailed drawing
Test: To try out a design and see if it works
Analyze: To make careful observations while testing to figure out what works and what doesn’t
Engineering Design Post-visit Activity:
Post-visit activities will help reiterate new concepts and tie the ScienceWorks Lab experience to your classroom curriculum. Below you will find a classroom activity and a list of suggested resources for further information. We hope that you enjoyed your field trip. Visit us again!
Introduction
Remind students of the 5 steps of the engineering process. Ask (what’s the problem), Brainstorm (ideas for solving), Design (make a plan, draw a picture, list materials), Create (build or make), Test and Analyze (try it and pay attention to what is working or not). Introduce the challenge of needing to build a tall structure that can hold up a book.
Materials
- Toothpicks
- Connector material of your choice (gumdrops/mini-marshmallows/clay/playdoh/poster putty)
- Something to use as a weight (book, basket, etc)
- Paper and pencil for designing
Procedure
- If students are going to work in teams, break them into teams.
- Show the student the supplies and introduce the challenge of building a tower. Set the height goal and the weight goal.
- Students need to brainstorm ideas. Remind them how triangle shapes were helpful for their bridge.
- Students draw their design.
- Students build their tower.
- Students test and analyze their structure.
