Solve Problems Like an Engineer!

Engineers are people who find problems and fix them. You can think like an engineer too! When something does not work, you look at it carefully and try to make it better.

Problem solving means you find out what is wrong and then try different ways to fix it. This is called the engineering design process.

The very first step is to identify the problem. That means you find out exactly what is wrong. You watch carefully and ask, "Why is this not working?"

For example, if your block tower keeps falling, you watch how it falls. Maybe the base is too small. Maybe the blocks are not balanced. You need to understand the problem before you can fix it!

After you find the problem, you try a solution. A solution is your idea for fixing the problem. You test it to see if it works.

Testing means you try your idea and watch what happens. If Leo's birdhouse tips over in the wind, he can try making the base wider and then test it again. Engineers always test their ideas!

Sometimes your first idea does not work. That is okay! You improve your design by making changes and trying again.

If Zoe and Marco's bridge keeps falling, they change something about it and test it again. Engineers never give up. They keep trying until they find what works best.

Problem: A problem is something that is not working the way it should. For example, a tower that falls over is a problem.

Identify: To identify means to find or notice something. When you identify a problem, you figure out exactly what is wrong.

Solution: A solution is your idea for fixing a problem. You might have more than one solution to try!

Test: To test means to try your solution and see if it works. You watch carefully to find out what happens.

Observe: To observe means to watch something very carefully. You observe a problem to understand why it is happening.

Improve: To improve means to make something better. When your first idea does not work, you improve your design and try again.

Design: A design is your plan for building or making something. Engineers change their design when it does not work.

Engineering Design Process: The engineering design process is the steps engineers use to solve problems. The steps are: identify the problem, test a solution, and improve the design.

Engineer: An engineer is a person who uses science and math to solve problems and build things.

You can practice being an engineer every day! Here are some ways to try:

• If your paper airplane does not fly straight, watch what it does and try changing the wings.
• If a tower of blocks falls, look at the base and try making it wider.
• If a bridge you build breaks, think about where it broke and try using more materials there.

Remember: the first step is always to observe and identify the problem before you try to fix it!

You already know a lot that helps you with engineering design! You know how to look at things carefully and ask questions. Those skills help you identify problems.

When you practice problem solving, you get better and better at it. Every time something does not work, you have a chance to think like an engineer!

Problem solving and engineering design connect to many things you do in school and at home. When you learn to identify problems and test solutions, you are building skills you will use in science, math, and everyday life.

As you keep learning, you will find that these engineering design steps help you in many different subjects. Watching carefully, asking questions, and trying new ideas are skills that great thinkers use every day!