Exploring Variables in Engineering

The video explores the concept of 'what-if' questions, emphasizing their importance in engineering problem-solving. It outlines the engineering process, including defining problems, exploring solutions, and testing prototypes. The video explains variables, distinguishing between those engineers can control and those they cannot, using examples like a hang glider and a bouncing ball. It highlights the role of 'what-if' questions in identifying variables and refining solutions.

What kind of questions do engineers ask themselves to come up with solutions?

• What-if questions

• How questions

• Why questions

• When questions

What is the first step in the engineering process?

• Testing solutions

• Building a prototype

• Defining a solvable problem

• Identifying variables

What do engineers do if their solution doesn't work?

• Give up

• Ask for help

• Try a different problem

• Go back to the drawing board

What is a variable in the context of engineering?

• A type of material

• A condition or value that can be changed

• A fixed value

• A step in the engineering process

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Which of the following is a variable that engineers can control?

• Weather conditions

• Height from which a ball is dropped

• Wind speed

• Gravity

What is an example of a variable that engineers cannot control?

• Gravity

• Materials used

• Design of a hang glider

• Weight of a hang glider

How can engineers reduce the weight that a hang glider has to carry?

• By increasing the size of the wings

• By leaving unnecessary items behind

• By adding more materials

• By changing the design

What can engineers change to affect how far or high a paper airplane flies?

• The color of the paper

• The number of folds

• The size or angle of the wings

• The type of paper used

What should engineers do once they have identified possible variables?

• Ask 'what-if' questions

• Test only one variable

• Start building the final product

• Ignore the variables

How can 'what-if' questions help engineers?

• By identifying variables

• By solving the problem immediately

• By avoiding mistakes

• By finding new materials