STEM: 7 steps to the Engineering Design Process

The Engineering Design Process has multiple steps that need to be covered by students that are taking STEM. This particular lesson should take two class periods if you are in a typical 50-minute classroom setting.

** Handout of The Engineering Design Process chart before the lesson.
 
Day 1

Pre-assessment: Have students work independently and decide where they want to put the sentences in the lower-left corner for the first 3 steps of the engineering design process. (Write in pencil)

APK: Think back to your previous science classes. Do you remember learning the scientific method? What is the scientific method used for? Why is it important to follow?

Guided practice: As lesson is taught, students write the CORRECT answer in the boxes provided and mark out their answers if they are incorrect.

Lesson:

Step 1: Identify the problem. Describe the problem that needs to be solved.

Step 2: Explore. Research what has already been done by others? Discover what materials are available for you to use.

Step 3: Design: Use your previous knowledge to come up with many solutions. Choose one idea that you/your group come up with and draw or make a prototype for your idea.

Independent Practice:  With a partner, choose an engineering problem and follow the first 3 steps of the EDP to invent a solution.
 

Closure: Why is it important to use the first 3 steps of the engineering design process? Did having a process when solving a problem help you come up with a solution?

Exit slip: What are the first 3 steps of the EDP?

Day 2:

Pre-assessment: Fill out the remaining three sections of the chart on the Engineering Design Process. Write answers in pencil.
 

Guided practice: As the lesson is taught, students write the CORRECT answer in the boxes provided and mark out their answers if they are incorrect.
 

Lesson:

Step 4: Create. Make your solution out of the materials that are provided.
 

Step 5: Test it. Test your solution to see if it works.
 

Step 6: Improve. Make your solution better.
 

Step 7: Share your ideas. As engineers, their designs and solutions are shared with the world. As students, you will share your ideas throughout the semester.  
 

Independent Practice:

With your partner from yesterday, finish the plan you created using the Engineering Design Process. Poster-board activity with partner/group.
 

Closure:

Why is testing your solution/idea imperative to solving a problem?

Check for Understanding as students work on independent practice using the steps to the Engineering Design Process.