What's an Engineer?
Engineers identify problems based on needs or wants.
They design and build things.
They try to find multiple solutions to problems.
They find out why and how things work and don't work.
They look for ways to improve their designs.
Some types of engineers:
Chemical - uses chemicals to create products
Civil - designs and builds buildings, roads, and bridges
Electrical - uses electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to create products
Mechanical - designs and builds tools, engines, and machines
They design and build things.
They try to find multiple solutions to problems.
They find out why and how things work and don't work.
They look for ways to improve their designs.
Some types of engineers:
Chemical - uses chemicals to create products
Civil - designs and builds buildings, roads, and bridges
Electrical - uses electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to create products
Mechanical - designs and builds tools, engines, and machines
Try This Engineering Activity!
Materials needed:
Problem:
Sometimes, man-made structures cannot withstand earthquakes and high winds.
Develop a Model:
In your science notebook, sketch a model that will use only toothpicks and mini marshmallows.
Create a structure two or more stories tall.
It has to be free-standing. (You cannot hold it.)
Plan & Carry Out Investigation:
Shake the table for 30 seconds to simulate an earthquake.
Does your structure withstand a 30-second earthquake?
Analyze & Interpret Data:
Record in your notebook:
What happened?
What went well?
What could you improve upon next time?
Use Math & Computational Thinking:
Record how many toothpicks and marshmallows you used in this model.
Construct Explanations & Designing Solutions:
Explain your model and the results to someone.
Engage in Argument from Evidence:
Receive feedback from someone.
Give feedback to someone else who completed the task.
At this time, you may wish to redesign your model and try it again.
Obtain, Evaluate, and Communicate Information:
Click here to dig deeper into designing structures to withstand natural disasters.
- toothpicks
- mini marshmallows
Problem:
Sometimes, man-made structures cannot withstand earthquakes and high winds.
Develop a Model:
In your science notebook, sketch a model that will use only toothpicks and mini marshmallows.
Create a structure two or more stories tall.
It has to be free-standing. (You cannot hold it.)
Plan & Carry Out Investigation:
Shake the table for 30 seconds to simulate an earthquake.
Does your structure withstand a 30-second earthquake?
Analyze & Interpret Data:
Record in your notebook:
What happened?
What went well?
What could you improve upon next time?
Use Math & Computational Thinking:
Record how many toothpicks and marshmallows you used in this model.
Construct Explanations & Designing Solutions:
Explain your model and the results to someone.
Engage in Argument from Evidence:
Receive feedback from someone.
Give feedback to someone else who completed the task.
At this time, you may wish to redesign your model and try it again.
Obtain, Evaluate, and Communicate Information:
Click here to dig deeper into designing structures to withstand natural disasters.