Fabricating a Focus Tool - Not a Fidget Spinner!
Students design and create focus tools.Copyright 2022 Krisinda Bouton, University of Florida MRET
Students work through the Engineering Design Process while creating a tool to help them focus in their classrooms. The focus tool that they design is required to meet given constraints. While creating their tool, they learn how engineers go about this process in the real world. They work with hands-on research, hold group presentations to share their prototype, keep thorough notes in their science journals, and implement multiple iterations.
Designing is essential to engineering. Engineers follow the steps of the design process to help them create the best possible solutions to real-world problems. This field has engineers heavily lean on their creativity and analytical skills to bring their ideas to fruition. They must keep detailed notes, plan, and then test multiple trials. How can they design an aircraft that, not only flies, but also keep its occupants safe on the journey? Through the design process, they can answer questions like this. The engineering design process that takes place during this activity approximates what engineers do every day.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the engineering design process.
- Discuss the importance of keeping records.
- Compare and contrast how the design process they experience relates to how engineers use the engineering design in everyday life.
- Design a focus tool, which they can use in the classroom, fitting constraints.
- Think and outline design iteration suggestions.