Class Lava Crossing Challenge: Hot Problem Solving
Teamwork is essential in soccer as well as engineering problem solving!Copyright 2012 Joel Solomon, Flickr via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Women%27s_Soccer_-_USA_vs_Japan_(1).jpg
In this physically engaging activity, students are challenged to figure out how to get the entire class from one location on the playground to the sidewalk 20 feet away without touching the ground between—which is (hypothetically) covered in dangerous hot lava! Guided by the steps of the engineering design process, students brainstorm and sketch as they work together to develop a well thought-out plan. Then they test the solution by going outside and trying it out, improving as needed to achieve success. Through the post-activity assessment, students compare their problem-solving experience to real-life engineering challenges such as creating new forms of transportation, inventing new products or figuring out a better way to run a factory. A design and brainstorming handout is provided. This open-ended activity is ideal for ice-breakers, clubs, scouts and camps. Many variations and extensions are possible.
Engineers follow the steps of the engineering design process all the time, helping them to recognize a need, organize their ideas and determine the best solution to a problem. The design process can aid in re-engineering existing products, creating new products in response to customer needs, and developing never-before-imagined inventions that benefit communities and society. Teamwork is an important aspect of the design process as it helps to incorporate a range of perspectives that contribute to better end products and processes.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the important steps of the engineering design process.
- Relate how engineering incorporates this design process in many applications.
- Apply the engineering design process to multiple design challenges.