Unit 3: Example Engineering Unit.
Return to: Unit 2: What is the Engineering Process?
Introduction
In this unit we look at two engineering activities. The first activity is designed for K-4 students. The second activity can be used with students in grades 5-8. Depending on grade level these activities should be modified accordingly.
Activity 1:
File:Sailing Away Project Log.pdf
Goals
Students will learn about engineering and the engineering process.
Objectives
Upon completion of this activity students will be able to...
- effectively use the engineering process to develop solutions to a problem.
- communicate and work collaboratively.
Curriculum Alignment
This lesson satisfies the NYS Standard number 5.3 for Technology Education students;
-Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
Lesson Description
Time required: 5-7 30 minute classes.
1.) Discuss with students the engineering process and how engineers progress through the various steps. (IDEAL)
2.) Share the following document with students as they will each need a copy to complete the activity. File:Sailing Away Project Log.pdf
3.) Discuss how students should proceed in designing and creating the solution to the given problem. Before building their sails students should come up with an initial design that they share with their partner(s). Once each group has agreed upon a solution, they can begin building and testing their sails.
4.) After each test students should record their findings in the 'improvement log.' This log is intended to help students optimize their sail designs.
Assessment of Students
Students will be assessed based on...
- how well their sail design worked to advance the boat down the wire track.
- how effectively they worked in teams.
- the completion of their improvement log.
Activity 2:
File:Activity 2 IDEAL Problem Solving.pdf
Goals
Students will learn about engineering and the engineering process.
Objectives
Upon completion of this activity students will be able to...
- effectively use the engineering process to develop solutions to a problem.
- communicate and work collaboratively.
Curriculum Alignment
This lesson satisfies the NYS Standard number 5.3 for Technology Education students;
-Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
Lesson Description
Time required: 5-7 30 minute classes.
1.) Discuss with students the engineering process and how engineers progress through the various steps. (IDEAL)
2.) Share the following document with students as they will each need a copy to complete the activity. File:Activity 2 IDEAL Problem Solving.pdf
3.) As a class complete the 'key words' section and list the steps of the IDEAL system in the document. Students should record their own notes.
4.) Discuss how students should proceed in designing and creating the solution to the given problem. Before building their coaster models, students should come up with an initial design that they share with their partner(s). Once each group has agreed upon a solution, they can begin building and testing their coasters.
5.) On the final day test each roller coaster, recording how long the marble stays in motion. Share these results with the class.
Assessment of Students
Students will be assessed based on...
- their completion of the problem while adhering to the given criteria and constraints.
- how well their marble roller coaster performed.
- how neatly the coaster model is constructed.
- how effectively they worked in teams.
- the completion of their document.
Resources
Paper Coaster Picture: 
Return to: Dante Siletti | The Engineering Process