MCAS Science ReviewTechnology and Engineering

Engineering Design

What is the process needed to solve an engineering problem?

What is a problem that might need shelter, storage, or convenience?

Describe some of the different ways in which a problem can be represented (for example, sketches, diagrams, graphic organizers, and lists)?

Describe some of the important design features (for example, size, shape, and weight) for building a prototype of a solution to a given problem?

How do natural systems compare to mechanical systems that are designed to serve similar purposes (for example, bird’s wings as compared to an airplane’s

wings)?

The Engineering Design Process

Engineers follow this process when they use their skills to design a solution to a problem. Sometimes engineers start at other places than ASK, or they go back and forth between one or more of these steps to come up with the best solution. Sometimes they may only solve part of the problem then pass it on to someone else.

1 -- ASK 2 -- IMAGINE

3 -- PLAN

4 -- CREATE

5 -- IMPROVETHE

GOAL

The Engineering Design Process

Questions and thoughts to guide you:

1 -- ASK

2 -- IMAGINE

3 -- PLAN

4 -- CREATE

5 -- IMPROVE

What do I want to do?What is the problem?What have others done?

What could be some solutions?Brainstorm ideas.To begin, pick the one idea that you think might work the best.

Draw a diagram of your idea.Make lists of materials you will need to make it.Decide how it works and how you might test it.

Build a prototype.Test it.Talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what could work better.

Talk about how you could improve your product.Draw new designs.Make your product the best it can be.

5 -- IMPROVE

Diagram Your Idea

An Example of an Engineering Design ProcessFollowing is a sample design process for a better mop:

5 -- IMPROVE

What do I want to do? Build an easy to use, effective floor mop.What is the problem? Most mops are hard to use.What have others done? Most mops are made of sponge or fibers.

What could be some solutions? Using cloth on a flat pad instead.Brainstorm ideas. Microfiber? Disposable? Removable? Permanent?To begin, pick the one idea that you think might work the best. Microfiber pad and liquid.

Draw a diagram of your idea. Make lists of materials you will need to make it. PVC pipe, pad, wood, pulley, rope, squirt bottle, microfiber cloth…Decide how it works and how you might test it.

Build a prototype.Test it.Talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what could work better.

Talk about how you could improve your product.Draw new designs.Make your product the best it can be.

1 -- ASK

2 -- IMAGINE

3 -- PLAN

4 -- CREATE

5 -- IMPROVE

THE GOAL

Engineering DesignWhat are some problems that might need shelter, storage, or convenience?

Build a better dog house

Build a squirrel-proof bird feeder

Build an easy-to-clean birdhouse

Build a dog food storage bin

Engineering DesignA design problem can be represented in different ways, including sketches,

diagrams, graphic organizers, and lists.

Sketch Graphic organizer

Diagram List

Engineering Design

When building a prototype of a solution to a design problem, you need to consider these features:

Size? Is the size appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and places where the item will be used?

Shape? Is the shape appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and places where the item will be used?

Weight? Is the weight appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and places where the item will be used?

Recyclability? When its usefulness if over, can the materials in the product be easily recycled?

Easy to use/clean/maintain? Is the item easy to use, clean, and maintain?

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

Problem: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles and ice dams form, and asphalt shingles can be damaged.

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

1-- ASK for a Solution to a Problem: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles an ice dams form, and asphalt shingles can be damaged. How can we build a better roof?2 – IMAGINE different solutions: Single sheet? Different types of shingles? Metal shingles? Grooved metal? Ways to melt icicles and prevent ice dams?

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

1-- ASK: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles and ice dams form, and asphalt shingles can be damaged. How can we build a better roof?

2 – IMAGINE: Single sheet roof? Different types of shingles? Metal shingles? Grooved metal? Ways to melt icicles and prevent ice dams?

1 -- ASK 2 -- IMAGINE

3 -- PLAN

4 -- CREATE

5 -- IMPROVE

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

2 – IMAGINE: How could a snow proof roof solve some existing problems with asphalt roofs and with metal roofs?

Asphalt Roof Metal Roof

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

2 -- IMAGINE different solutions: What materials would be useful for a snow-proof roof?

Size? What size roof would provide adequate shelter, be tight enough to prevent leaks, slippery enough to shed the snow, and direct water away from the foundation?

Shape? What shape of roof allow snow to fall off easily and melt quickly, while providing insulation in summer and winter?

Weight? What weigh of roof be too heavy for the average house structure? Will it stay attached in high winds?

Recyclability? Can the type of metal material used in the roof be recycled when it needs to be replaced?

Easy to use/clean/maintain? Is the item easy to use, clean, and maintain? Will water, snow, and ice fall easily off the roof? How long will the roof last? What kinds of maintenance might be needed?

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

3 – PLAN: Research existing roofing technology and design a prototype for a metal roof. Draw a diagram, make a list of materials.

Asphalt Roof Metal Roof

Metal shingles

Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof

4 – CREATE: Build a prototype or model snow-proof roof – Test it, question it.

5 – IMPROVE: Make modifications to the design, building, and materials based on results of testing.

Final Product: Best Type of Snow-Proof Roof

Design Inspired by Nature

How do natural systems compare to mechanical systems that are designed to serve similar purposes?

Design Inspired by Nature

How does a bird wing compare to an airplane wing?

Design Inspired by Nature

Bird Beaks

Design Inspired by Nature

Bird Feet

Design Inspired by Nature

Fish and Whales

Design Inspired by Nature

Plants

Design Inspired by Nature

Plants

Design Inspired by Nature

Insects and Frogs

Design Inspired by Nature

Insects and Frogs

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