Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn about something super cool—how to think like engineers! Engineers are people who create things to solve problems. Let’s dive into what they do and how they do it!
Imagine there’s a river between two cities, and people need to get across. An engineer might design a bridge to solve this problem. The bridge is the solution! Engineers don’t just guess how to solve problems; they follow special steps to find the best solution.
Engineers use four main steps: ask, imagine, create, and improve. Let’s see what each step involves:
First, engineers ask lots of questions about the problem. They might ask, “What is the problem?” or “How will I know when I’ve solved it?” By finding answers to these questions, they understand the problem better.
Next, engineers use their imaginations to think of many solutions. They might draw pictures of their ideas to see how they would work. Then, they choose the idea they think is best.
After imagining, engineers create a model of their idea. A model is a smaller version of what they want to build. For example, building a model bridge helps them see if their idea works before making a real bridge.
Even if the model works, engineers look for ways to make it better. They might try to make the bridge stronger or safer. If their idea doesn’t work, they don’t give up. They use parts that did work to come up with a new idea or choose another idea from their list.
Now, let’s try solving a problem like engineers do. My back is really itchy, and I can’t reach it! Let’s use the steps:
Ask: What’s the problem? I can’t reach the itchy spot on my back. How will we know if we’ve solved it? When I can scratch it!
Imagine: Let’s think of different ways to make a back scratcher. We have some rulers, modeling dough, a pencil, a plastic fork, a cardboard roll, and some tape. What can we create?
Take some time to draw your idea for a back scratcher. Next time, we can share our ideas, build them, test them, and improve them!
Thanks for joining me on this engineering adventure! If you have any questions, ask a grown-up to help you leave a comment or send an email to [email protected]!
Build Your Own Bridge: Gather some simple materials like popsicle sticks, string, and glue. Try to build a small bridge that can hold a toy car. Remember to follow the engineering steps: ask what kind of bridge you want to make, imagine different designs, create your bridge, and then see if you can improve it to hold more weight or look more like a real bridge.
Observation Walk: Go on a walk around your neighborhood or a park with a grown-up. Look for things that engineers might have designed, like playground equipment, roads, or buildings. Ask yourself questions like, “What problem does this solve?” and “How might it have been improved over time?” Share your thoughts with your grown-up.
Design a New Tool: Think of a problem you have at home, like reaching a high shelf or organizing your toys. Use paper and crayons to draw a new tool that could help solve this problem. Imagine different designs and choose the one you think is best. Explain your design to a friend or family member and ask for their ideas on how to improve it.
