Standard: Engineering Design Process Grades 3-5

3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

Preview audio:

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Good Morning!

How can we make a boat that floats and holds weight?

STEP 1: Ask/Define the Problem

It was a cold fall morning, and Mrs. Horn's Class was buzzing with excitement as they waited to see what new science experiment they would be doing today.

"Good Morning, Class," Said Mrs. Horn. "Today we are going to be engineers. Your challenge will be to design and build a boat that can hold at least 5 pennies before it sinks."

Julia raised her hand and asked, "How can we make a boat that floats and holds weight?"

"That," Said Mrs Horn, " is exactly what you will need to figure out using the Engineering Design Process!"

STEP 2: Brainstorm/ Imagine

Mrs. Horn placed the class into groups and said, "Now it's time to think about what you might want your boat to look like. Take a few minutes to share your ideas with your teammate."

"What if we made our boat out of paper? What would happen?" questioned Mark.

"We could use tin foil, it's waterproof!" said Sally.

Each group discussed what they wanted their boats to look like, gathering ideas and creating plans.

STEP 3: Plan

"Now that each group has an idea of what materials they might want to use, we are going to draw our ideas and write out a brief description. Don't forget to include your prediction for how many pennies you think your boat will hold," said Mrs. Horn.

"I think our boat will hold 7 pennies," said Roy.

"We are planning our prototype!" announced Paige.

STEP 4: Create

"Now it's time to build," announced Mrs. Horn. "Come grab your supplies and get started."

Each group worked together, folding and taping, cutting and creating, doing their best to match their drawings.

"Nice work," Paige said, high-fiving her teammate Julia.

Mrs. Horn reminded the students that "Engineers bring their plans to life during the creation step. Well done, everyone, your prototypes look amazing.