Engineering Design Process/Design Thinking Cycle
With STEM sessions, I try to guide students through different variations of either the engineering design process or design thinking cycle. When students are first introduced to it they are intimidated by it because it is unfamiliar and seems daunting. However, once each step is broken down and students have had a chance to follow through it a few times, it becomes more natural. Students immediately start solving issues by identifying the problem, brainstorming, creating prototypes, testing and revisiting the design, and so on. In many ways, it becomes easier to tackle problems and issues because there is a framework to follow.
Taking the time to learn the process, understand the various steps, and actively go through the cycle, ends up saving more time and gives a guide for students to follow. It eventually becomes second nature, just like driving a car.
Example for "Engineering Design Process/Design Thinking Cycle":
https://www.teachengineering.org/Images/edpHub/EDPHub_Graphic.png
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