7.2: The Design Process
Course Competency 7. Examine strategies that teach engineering skills.
CRITERIA 7.2. identify an engineering design process of ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve
The Design Process
Preschool-age children can begin to explore engineering concepts through a simple design process that includes four steps:
- Identifying a Problem: Identify a problem or need. Why is it important? How have others approached the problem?
- Imagining and Planning: Brainstorm solutions. Sketch possible plans. Choose one to build. List and gather needed materials.
- Creating: Refer to the plan and build a model or prototype. Share the model for feedback or test the prototype.
- Improving: Analyze the model or prototype with others. How could it be improved? Redesign based on feedback.
( Growing in STEM. The Design Process: Engineering Practices in Preschool )
3-Step Design Process
The design process described above has 4 steps. Some curriculums such as the EIE--Engineering is Elementary from the Science Museum of Boston use a simplified 3-step process. The steps in their process are:
1. Explore
2. Create
3. Improve
See EIE for more information.