Solve Real Problems Like an Engineer!

The design process is a step-by-step way you can use to find and fix real problems. Engineers people who design solutions to real problems use this process every day. You can use it too!

The very first step is always to identify the problem. That means you notice something that is not working and describe it clearly. You cannot fix a problem unless you understand exactly what it is.

After you identify the problem, you brainstorm that means you think of as many different ideas as you can without judging them. Having many ideas gives you a better chance of finding a great solution.

Next, you choose one idea and make a design a careful plan or drawing that shows how you will build your solution. Then you build it using your chosen materials.

After building, you test your solution to find out if it actually fixes the problem. You observe carefully using your senses to gather information and write down what happens. Scientists test solutions more than one time to make sure the results happen every single time.

If your solution does not work, that is okay! You improve your design by making changes based on what you learned. Finally, you share your results so everyone can learn from each other's ideas.

Before you start building, it helps to know two important things. Criteria are the goals your solution must meet for example, a bridge must hold ten books. Constraints are the rules or limits you must follow for example, you can only use paper and tape.

Understanding your criteria and constraints helps you plan a realistic solution before you start building.

Problem: A problem is something that is broken or not working the way it should. For example, a pencil that keeps rolling off your desk is a problem you can solve.

Solution: A solution is an answer or fix that solves the problem. When you design a pencil holder, that is your solution.

Design: A design is a careful plan or drawing that shows how you will build your solution. Making a design helps you think through your steps before you start building.

Test: To test means to try out your plan to see if it really works. You should test your solution more than once to make sure it works every time.

Engineer: An engineer is a person who designs solutions to real problems by building things. Engineers use science and math to create things that help people.

Materials: Materials are what something is made of like paper, tape, or cardboard. The materials you have available can be a constraint on your design.

Observe: To observe means to look carefully and use your senses to gather information. Good observations help you understand what happened during your test.

Improve: To improve means to make changes so your design works better. You improve your design based on what you learned from testing.

Brainstorm: To brainstorm means to think of many different possible solutions without judging them. Brainstorming helps you find creative and effective ideas.

Criteria: Criteria are the goals or requirements your solution must meet, like holding ten books. They tell you what success looks like before you start designing.

Constraint: A constraint is a rule or limit that affects how you can solve a problem, such as only using certain materials or having limited time.

Evaluate: To evaluate means to decide if your solution worked well enough. You evaluate by checking if your solution met the criteria.

Look around your classroom or home and find something that is not working well. Maybe your crayons keep rolling away, or your lunch bag does not stay cold. That is your problem!

Try drawing a plan to fix it, then build and test your idea. Remember to write down what you observe. If it does not work the first time, think about what went wrong and improve your design. You are thinking just like an engineer!

This topic builds on your natural curiosity about the world around you. You already notice things every day when something is broken, messy, or not working right. That noticing skill is the very first step of the design process!

Your ability to ask questions like "Why does this happen?" and "How can I fix this?" is exactly what scientists and engineers do. You are already on your way to being a great problem solver.

The design process is a foundational skill that connects to many areas of science and everyday life. As you grow as a learner, you will use these same steps identify, brainstorm, build, test, improve, and share in more and more challenging projects.

Every time you solve a problem at school or at home, you are practicing the design process. Whether you are figuring out why a plant is not growing or designing a stronger bag for groceries, these steps will guide you to a great solution.