Bridging Scientific Method and Engineering Design Process

Graham Fennell explains the scientific method and engineering design process, highlighting their differences and applications in the classroom. The scientific method involves asking questions, forming hypotheses, and conducting experiments. The engineering design process focuses on defining problems, brainstorming solutions, and testing prototypes. Examples, such as a light bulb problem, illustrate these methods. The video concludes with an application of the engineering design process in a math class, using trigonometry to solve a problem.

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Forming a hypothesis

• Conducting an experiment

• Asking a question

• Analyzing data

In the scientific method, what follows after forming a hypothesis?

• Conducting background research

• Communicating results

• Defining a problem

• Testing the hypothesis

What is the initial step in the engineering design process?

• Testing solutions

• Brainstorming solutions

• Analyzing results

• Defining a problem

Which step in the engineering design process involves narrowing the focus based on costs and materials?

• Defining a problem

• Setting criteria and constraints

• Testing solutions

• Communicating results

How does the engineering design process differ from the scientific method in terms of solutions?

• It requires no testing

• It skips background research

• It only allows one solution

• It allows multiple solutions

In the light bulb example, what is the hypothesis in the scientific method?

• The wiring is incorrect

• The circuit is faulty

• The light bulb is burned out

• The room is too dark

In the engineering design process, what is considered when defining the problem of a dark room?

• The color of the walls

• The type of flooring

• The size of the room

• The cost of solutions

What mathematical concept is used in the window height example to determine the height?

• Calculus

• Algebra

• Trigonometry

• Statistics

In the window height example, what is the significance of a 45-degree angle?

• It is used to measure distance

• It simplifies the calculation

• It is irrelevant to the problem

• It indicates a right triangle

What is the main focus of the conclusion in the video?

• Providing more examples

• Discussing the history of engineering

• Summarizing the differences between the two processes

• Explaining the scientific method