The engineering process is a series of steps that individuals (engineers, developers, scientists) use to create a product or solution. These products or solutions are usually used in everyday life and may solve problems that consumers or users experience.
The students begin the process by defining and researching the problem. They also identify any requirements that have to be met. Then they brainstorm ideas, and consider what others have done to solve the same problem.
After they have a list of potential solutions, they choose the best one to build a prototype for. This step shows the students that they’ve accomplished a lot, and they can see how their idea becomes a real solution.
Students test their prototypes to see if they perform as expected. The prototypes can be used to improve their designs.
It is likely that they will go through several prototypes before achieving a design which works and is completed. This iterative process teaches them that they must keep trying to improve their designs, and they can’t be satisfied with being done until they’ve tried everything to make the best possible design.
Your students can use the engineering process throughout their lives, regardless of whether they become engineers. The skills they learn can be applied to any project – from building skyscrapers, to making sneakers.