Problem
Engineering is the application of science and technology to solving a problem. Invention is really about engineering a solution. For students, this can be:
- A problem they want to solve
- A process or physical design they want to improve
Select a problem below to be presented with starter design questions.
My backpack is too heavy to carry.
Science Topic: Gravity and mass
Select this problem: My backpack is too heavy to carry. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I make it easier to get it to school?Our dog barks too much.
Science Topic: Dog behavior
Select this problem: Our dog barks too much. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I get him to quiet down without hurting him?When I’m in a crowd, I can’t see around me.
Science Topic: Visibility
Select this problem: When I’m in a crowd, I can’t see around me. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: What can I do or use to help me see more?My juice gets warm in my lunchbox.
Science Topic: Conserving heat
Select this problem: My juice gets warm in my lunchbox. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I keep it cold?The echo in our cafeteria is so bad that it’s hard to hear, even when people talk loudly.
Science Topic: Reflection of sound
Select this problem: The echo in our cafeteria is so bad that it’s hard to hear, even when people talk loudly. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: What can we do to cut down on the echo in there?Our petunias dried out last summer and died after one week.
Science Topic: Plant Growth
Select this problem: Our petunias dried out last summer and died after one week. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I keep them watered without having to go out and do it every day?We have to wait too long for the bus. We’d rather wait inside where it’s more comfortable.
Science Topic: Remote Sensing
Select this problem: We have to wait too long for the bus. We’d rather wait inside where it’s more comfortable. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can we tell when the bus is approaching without having to wait at the stop?I make sandwiches ahead of time on Sunday, but by the end of the week, they go stale.
Science Topic: Food storage
Select this problem: I make sandwiches ahead of time on Sunday, but by the end of the week, they go stale. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I better preserve my sandwiches so the one I eat on Friday is as fresh as the one on Monday?My younger brother and sister are too small to reach the light switches. I always have to go turn on the light for them.
Science Topic: Human accessibility
Select this problem: My younger brother and sister are too small to reach the light switches. I always have to go turn on the light for them. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I make it so they can turn their bedroom room lights on or off?I caught my brother in my room, but he says he never goes in there.
Science Topic: Security
Select this problem: I caught my brother in my room, but he says he never goes in there. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: How can I tell if someone has gone into my room when I’m not there?I sometimes forget my backpack.
Science Topic: Convenience
Select this problem: I sometimes forget my backpack. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: Is there a way to be sure I always take my backpack to school?Sunlight coming in windows makes the house warmer in winter. But we keep the drapes closed and forget to open them.
Science Topic: Solar energy
Select this problem: Sunlight coming in windows makes the house warmer in winter. But we keep the drapes closed and forget to open them. Continue to the next step.
Design Question: Is there a way to make sure the drapes stay open when the sun is shining in the winter?
