Engineering in Action!

The Next Generation Science Standards emphasize knowledge of, and experience with, the engineering design process throughout the grades. This process refers to the steps engineers takes in order create solutions to problems in the real world.  The process general includes: identifying a problem, designing solutions, building, testing, and improving.

Our class has been working on several engineering design projects over the past couple of months. Above and to the right, you see photos of students during the Egg Drop challenge. Students were asked to design and build a lander to protect a raw egg when dropped to the floor from the balcony in the gym. They had limited materials and time to complete the project, in groups of 3 students. After a first round of tests, students had the opportunity to improve their designs, re-build, and re-test. Through this process, students experienced the entire engineering design process.

As part of the Journey to Mars Unit, students completed an engineering design project at home with the objective of creating a model for a new technology that could help humans survive on Mars. They came up with many creative ideas and build some impressive models! These project were put on exhibit in the library for parents and students to see. The fifth graders gave one-on-one tours to the third and fourth grade classes.