Have you ever taken a math test and realized that being “close” to the right answer just isn’t enough? Well, engineers feel the same way when they solve problems. They aim for exact solutions, especially when designing things like bridges that need to span a river completely!
When engineers work on a problem, they focus on achieving a specific outcome. If you’ve been following along with our engineering adventures, you know that engineers test their solutions many times to make sure they work. But how do they plan these tests to get the results they want? Let’s find out!
Even though engineers tackle different problems, they follow some common steps. First, they decide on the criteria for a successful solution. These are the rules that help them judge if their solution works. For example, in a bowling alley, the goal might be to knock down all the pins in one turn.
Next, engineers identify variables, which are the things that can change during an experiment. Some variables can be controlled, while others can’t. For instance, gravity can’t be controlled, but the weight of an object can be.
After identifying variables, engineers focus on one variable to change during their tests. This helps them understand why a solution works or doesn’t. For example, when launching Catbot into marshmallows, they only changed the angle of the slingshot.
Finally, engineers look for failure points, which are places where the solution stops working. They then try to fix these points, like adding extra support to a bridge to make it stronger.
Now, let’s use what we’ve learned to plan a set of trials with a fun game: ring toss! First, we need criteria for success. In ring toss, the goal is to get a ring around a pin in one throw. So, our criteria are to get the ring on the pin in one try.
Next, we identify variables. We can change the size of the ring, the distance from the pin, the size of the pin, and how we throw the ring. We can’t change gravity, and there’s no wind to worry about. Let’s choose to change the size of the ring.
We’ll stand the same distance from the pin, use the same pin, and throw the ring the same way each time. Now, let’s start our trials!
In the first trial, we use a small ring and miss. In the second trial, we try a medium-sized ring and get close but still miss. In the third trial, we use a large ring and succeed! It’s much easier than at the fair!
Now, let’s find any failure points. We move far away from the pin and try again. We miss, showing that even with a bigger ring, being too far away doesn’t meet our success criteria.
When designing a solution, it’s important to pay attention to details. After setting criteria for success, identify variables and change one at a time during trials. Even if a trial succeeds, look for failure points to understand the solution’s limits. And if you want to create more tests, think about how you can change other variables. Until next time, keep exploring and learning!
Build Your Own Bridge: Gather some simple materials like popsicle sticks, tape, and string. Try to build a small bridge that can hold a toy car. Think about the criteria for success: the bridge should be strong enough to hold the car without collapsing. Identify the variables you can change, such as the number of sticks or the way you connect them. Test your bridge and see if it holds the car. If it doesn’t, try to find the failure points and make improvements!
Experiment with Paper Airplanes: Make a paper airplane and set a goal for how far it should fly. Identify variables like the type of paper, the size of the wings, or the way you throw it. Change one variable at a time and test your airplane. Measure how far it flies each time. Discuss which changes helped it fly farther and why.
Question Time: Think about a problem you face at home or school. How would you solve it like an engineer? What would be your criteria for success? What variables could you change to find the best solution? Share your ideas with a friend or family member and ask for their thoughts on your engineering plan.
