Impactful Innovations

Overview

Students work through the engineering design process. They begin by building a straw-and-tape tower or bridge that holds a plastic ball, planning improvements and adding constraints, then answer a live poll on community design problems and sustainable materials. They watch a video on the design process and research an existing design, such as a bridge or a renewable energy system, documenting its materials, safety, cost, maintenance, and challenges. After the teacher reviews the steps from defining the problem to testing, groups sketch and build a prototype playground from cardboard and paper, present it to the class, and revise their ideas based on peer and teacher feedback. The plan times engagement at 1-3 days, exploration at 2-4 days, and explanation at 2-3 days.

Lesson Objectives

• Engage in the full engineering design process—from identifying problems and researching existing solutions to brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining their own designs—while considering criteria, constraints, and environmental impacts. They will work collaboratively to analyze data, communicate their findings, and reflect on the broader implications of engineering solutions. Throughout, students will integrate research, creativity, and critical thinking to develop effective, sustainable, and well-justified design outcomes.