1. © 2015 SRC, Inc. Engineering Problem Solving Educators in the STEM Workplace

2. Scientists use the Scientific Method Ask/answer questions Make observations / do experiments in a repeatable fashion Engineers use a problem-solving cycle Solve specific tangible problems Engineers professional life is devoted to the creative solution of problems (UConn School of Engineering) What is it? 2

3. State the problem Redefine the problem Identify scope / boundaries Identify constraints / set general specs Brainstorm Analyze possible solutions Identify most viable solution Execute chosen solution Wash, rinse, repeat if necessary Engineering Problem Solving 3

4. Problem Statement: Build a tower structure using marshmallows and spaghetti The Problem 4

5. Build the tallest tower using the materials provided Redefine The Problem 5

6. Points! 30 pts – tallest structure 30 pts – if your structure can support the weight of a golf ball 20 pts – creative design (as determined by the judges) 20 pts – adhering to all the project constraints Judging Criteria 6

7. Specifications The spaghetti is uncooked The marshmallows are full sized 6 inches of tape Roles 1 project manager 3 builders (one for spaghetti, one for marshmallows, one for tape) If smaller teams, someone might take multiple roles Constraints The base of the tower must fit within a 8.5x11 piece of paper The tower cannot contain more than 5 total marshmallows The tower must be completed in 25 minutes for planning and building Builders are assigned either spaghetti, marshmallows or tape and can only touch their assigned material Constraints and Specifications 7

8. GO! 8

9. The people handling materials are not allowed to talk The project manager cannot touch any of the materials but can give instructions to the builders New Constraints 9

10. Why do you think engineering is important to our society? What challenges did you face during the planning phase? What did you learn during the process of building your tower? What surprised you most during this activity? If you had an opportunity to redesign your tower, what would you reengineer to make it better? How would those changes help? Debrief 10