What is the main difference between an engineer and a technician?  This is one of the driving questions in a plan that proves that analysis at every step of development is crucial to the engineering design process. The lesson starts with identifying famous failures before young engineers have the opportunity to analyze their own design ideas. Informal assessments are included at every step in the lesson. 

Concepts

engineering design, compare and contrast, product design, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Review the steps in the engineering design process before implementing

Classroom Considerations

• This is the fourth activity in a series of six related engineering design lessons
• Maintain same student groups for all parts of the unit

Pros

• Comes with step-by-step instructions for analysis, a detailed rubric, and an answer key for famous failures

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.NS.B.2 6.NS.B.3 7.RP.A.3