Implementing the Engineering Design Process

1. Ask: Define the problem.
2. Imagine: Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem.
3. Plan: Choose a solution and prepare to execute it.
4. Create: Build prototypes and develop your solution
5. Test: Implement and observe your solution in action
6. Improve: Seek feedback on your solution, consider how you could make it better, and revisit the steps of the EDP as needed

In the sphere of STEM pedagogy, the phrase “Engineering Design Process” circulates a lot, and while the Engineering Design Process (EDP) is most closely related to the subject of engineering, it is still very important to the other STEM fields. The EDP is designed to walk students through the steps of working out a problem, just like real STEM professionals do every day. It also plays a major role in developing STEM skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and reflection. Because of this, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the EDP and how it can best be used in your classroom.

THE BREAK-DOWN

Ask: The EDP starts with clearly identifying a real-world problem. It can be anything: something as small as organizing a messy closet to something as large as developing a way to get clean water to people in need. Be sure that the problem you decide to address is manageable for both you and your students. Consider the criteria and constraints associated with your problem in the form of a classroom discussion.

Imagine: Once you and your students have decided what problem you would like to tackle, it’s time to brainstorm potential solutions to said problem. Thoughtfully consider how your problem could be approached from different angles and record your findings. In this stage, it’s important for students to work in groups, discussing possible solutions, recording their thoughts, and conducting research along the way.

Plan: In the next step, students should review their list of possible solutions and pick one to implement. Create a plan that includes the steps and materials needed to arrive at your goal.

Create: This is where the magic happens. In this step, students have the opportunity to bring their solution to life as they engage in hands-on, project-based learning. As students create their first prototype, encourage them to record their thoughts and feelings for reflection purposes later on in the EDP.

Test: Once you have a prototype of your solution developed, it’s time to put it to the test and record your observations. In this step, it’s very important for students to critically analyze the effectiveness of their solution. Encourage students to carefully evaluate whether or not their solution meets the criteria and constraints of their selected problem. If the answer is “no,” reassure students that this is a common experience in the EDP.

Improve: This is perhaps the most important step in the EDP. It is very rarely the case that the first iteration of a solution is the best one; usually STEM professionals go through several different prototypes before reaching the final, best solution. In this stage, it’s vital for students to review their notes from previous steps and reflect on their experience. Guide your students through a thorough reflection on what they learned in the testing phase. This is best done in the form of a classroom discussion. Instruct students to consider what worked well and what could have been better, especially if their first prototype failed. Once you have given your students a chance to reflect, encourage them to revisit some or all of the steps in the EDP to make their solution even better. It is important for students to understand that the EDP is not strictly a linear set of steps to go through only once. Instead, the EDP is a dynamic, iterative tool that is meant to guide students through the process of developing real solutions to real-world problems.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

The EDP gives students the ability to sharpen their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills while offering them the opportunity to experience the many real-world applications of the STEM fields. As students develop a solution to a real-world problem, regardless of its size, they will feel a sense of accomplishment, offering them insight into possible future careers in these fields. This positive exposure to STEM in a collaborative, creative, and innovative environment is what the EDP is all about!

— Dr. Jake Roark