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Engineering in Action: An Introduction to Engineering Design

A hands-on, minds-on workshop to explore how engineers solve problems
Ian Nelson
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(2,515)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
In this one hour workshop, we'll explore how engineers solve problems. Students will leave the workshop with an understanding of some thinking tools that engineers use when solving real-world problems. 

We'll begin with reflecting on how engineers think about problems before introducing thinking tools used by engineers. Then we'll put engineering to work as we design a good playground. During our class time, we will complete an initial conceptual design for our playground as we think about how engineers create playgrounds with and for communities. 

Students will gain appreciation for how engineers get started on a real-world project as they reflect on the difference between good design and not-so-good design. Additionally, students will be challenged to think about how they use engineering design principles already and identify at least one new engineering design principle to put into practice.

Students will have the opportunity to sketch or prototype their playground ideas during our workshop to put their new knowledge into practice. Many students like to continue developing their playground design after the workshop concludes as the goal of the workshop is to expose learners to engineering design in the real world.
Learning Goals
By the end of our workshop, students will be able to:
- Identify how questions help engineers during design projects
- Use at least one brainstorming strategy
- Explain how making a sketch or prototype helps engineers think about their design
- Discuss the complexity of engineering design
- Debate the merits of an engineered solution
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Participants will receive a pdf describing the engineering design experience that they can use as an engineering design journal. Students should bring a pencil and a notebook AND/OR building supplies they can use to make a prototype of their playground design. I suggest building toys like LEGO bricks and K'Nex or craft supplies such as craft sticks, straws, and pipe cleaners.
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2017
4.7
2515reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I'm a mechanical engineer turned engineering educator. I specialize in how engineers develop and use design thinking.

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$15

per class
Meets once
50 min

Completed by 521 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-8 learners per class

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