What is technology?

Who are the people that make technologies?

Let’s name some examples of each!

TechnologyTechnology

Definition Examples

Non-Examples

Pictures

An ______________________ is a person who designs technologies.

Technology is anything made by people that solves a problem.

engineer

Albert’s Alphabet Challenge

Science vs. Engineering

SCIENCE – deals with the natural world

ENGINEERING – deals with anything built by people to solve a problem. Often science and math are used.

What’s the problem in the story?

Do you like to build things like Albert? Your challenge is to design and build the first letter of your first name. It must stand on its own and be 10 unifix cubes tall.

Engineering Design Process

Ask: What’s the problem? What have others done? What are the limits?

The Goal

Ask

     

Imagine 

       

Plan 

Create & Test

 

      

Improve 

Imagine: What could be some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. Choose the best one.

Plan: Draw a diagram. Make a list of materials you will need.

Create & Test: Follow your plan to create it. Test it out!

Improve: What worked? What did not? Make your design even better. Test it out!

Today it is your job to imagine how you can use the materials to build a letter that stands on its own.

You’ll have to come up with a plan on how to build your letter!

Requirements (Must Haves)•The letter must stand on it own. Observe

wide bases vs. narrow bases.•The tree must be made of at least two

different materials.

Limitations (Must Not Haves)•The letter cannot be taller than 10 unifix

cubes. •The letter can be made of no more than

three different materials.

Newspaper Packing

Peanuts Popsicle sticks Wooden

Stirring Sticks Pipe Cleaners Rubberbands

Unifix cubes Paperclips Cups Boxes Straws Cotton Balls

 

Paper Egg cartons Any

recycled materials

Spice drops Foil

Material Choices:

Freebie Materials: Tape/Glue

Ask: How can I build a ___________

that is strong enough to stand

on its own?

Imagine: Explore the materials. Talk to a friend about your ideas. Draw two ideas of how you can make a letter that stands on its own.

Idea 1 Idea 2

Plan: Tell a friend about your plan. Can you make it better? Draw the best idea.

Create/Test: Build your letter and then test it out!

Does it stand on its own?

Is it as tall as 10 unifix cubes?

Does it use two different materials but no more than three?

Improve: What worked well in your design? ________________________________________________________________________________ What did not work well in your design?

________________________________________________________________  

Improve: What would you try next time (diagram or words)?