8th Gr. STEAM

Engineering is

• a human-made object.

• electronic appliances.

• the application of math and science to solve real world problems.

• only for geniuses.

The purpose of the design process is to

• solve problems effectively and efficiently.

• make a problem more complicated.

• make sure an engineer is using their notebook correctly.

• slow down an engineer's work.

Which step of the design process is when the engineer analyzes and evaluates all the possible solutions and

chooses the best possible solution considering the project criteria and constraints?

• Construct and test a prototype

• Define the problem

• Present the solution

• Develop a solution

What step of the design process is when you determine the effectiveness of your solution and how you could

improve it?

• Generate concepts

• Define the problem

• Present the solution

• Evaluate the solution

Students are brainstorming and sketching ideas for possible solutions to a problem. Which step of the design

process is this?

• Generate concepts

• Define the problem

• Evaluate solution

• Present a solution

The class created a piece of furniture for the main office. They are showing off their final product to the office

staff and explaining the design process. Which step of the design process is this?

• Generate concepts

• Define the problem

• Evaluate solution

• Present a solution

Soon you will be learning about a new project and the design problem you have to solve. What step of the

design process is this?

• Generate concepts

• Define the problem

• Evaluate solution

• Present a solution

True or False? The steps of the engineering design process must be completed in a specific order and cannot be

repeated.

• True

• False

Which of the following is a constraint in a project?

• A) Time

• B) Materials

• C) Friends

• A & B

• A, B & C

Design Challenge

You are part of a team of engineers tasked with building a model tower to present to city officials. It should be built using only 25 paperclips, 20 index cards, 10 straws, and 10 pipe cleaners. You may also use scissors as a tool. You do not need to use all of the materials, but your tower must support the weight of a tennis ball that represents the viewing deck for a least 30 seconds. The tennis ball must be supported in the top 25% of the tower. The tower must be moveable and free standing. This means you can move the tower to the front of the classroom to be tested, and it does not need to be attached to anything. The tallest tower that meets the given criteria will win the city contract. You will have 3 days to work on your design and prototype.

QUESTION TO ANSWER:

What is(are) the criterion for the design challenge described above?

• A) Tower supports the weight of a tennis ball for at least 30 seconds

• B) The available materials to use to build

• C) Tower is as tall as possible

• A & C

• A, B & C