Building Bridges

This morning Kerrin Connors and Jeffrey Rodgers from United Technologies Corporation visited with us. Karen and Jeff gave a presentation that focused on engineering. During the presentation students learned about different types of engineers: manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, chemical, and many more! Students also learned about the Engineer Design Process. Through this process students learned that they will be putting on their engineering hats to design and create a bridge using Popsicle sticks. Below is the process students will be going through this week. Engineering Design Process: 1. State the Problem (build a bridge using Popsicle sticks and glue; bridge must span 14 inches; support 5 lbs. for 1 minute) 2. Generate Ideas (individually and as a group) 3. Select a Solution (based on evaluation criteria) 4. Build the Item 5. Evaluate (aesthetics, efficient use of materials; weight bearing) 6. Present Results (what decisions you made, what worked, what didn't work) and talk about these issues at the end of the week On Friday students will test their bridges!