1. Using the Engineering Design Process
Rescue Slimey!
Using the Engineering Design Process

2. 1. What is the problem to be solved (your goal)?
The Process:
When you’re solving an engineering design problem, follow a certain process.
Start with:
1. What is the problem to be solved (your goal)?
2. What are the requirements to achieve success?

3. Might not always be obvious Observing situation/environment
Learn by
Defining problem
Observing situation/environment
Talking to the “customer” about their needs?

4. Can you rescue Slimey?
Read about Slimey, and from the information we’re going to ask some questions that will help us successfully rescue her!

5. Questions:
Are there any “must-haves”? These are things that must be included
Are there any “would be nice if”? These are things that you should include if you can.
Are there any limitations (size, shape, weight, tools, etc)?
Are there materials that can or can’t be used?

6. Can you successfully get Slimey across the river?
The scenario:
Slimey is a very daring worm that likes to take her boat out for adventures. Unfortunately, Slimey hasn’t yet learned to swim, so she needs to wear a flotation device whenever she’s out on the water. Slimey also discovered that she’s very allergic to both human contact and water, to the point where she will instantly go into shock if she or her equipment is touched by either. One day Slimey took her boat out on the water and it sprung a leak and capsized before she had a chance to put on her life preserver. Slimey quickly squirmed to the top, while her flotation device was trapped under the boat.
Your job is to rescue Slimey, place her safely on a raft, and transport her across the water. Slimey likes to roll, so the raft cannot be flat. Some other important details are the Slimey tends to panic, but is comforted by the color green. She also feels safer when she’s in a confined space. Limitations in your rescue budget confine you to no more than 5 items to use in the rescue. Oh, and because of the leak, the boat will sink in 15 minutes.
Can you successfully get Slimey across the river?

7. Read the scenario and ask yourself the questions Fill in the chart
By filling in the chart, you will be guided toward a solution

8. Size or Equipment Limitations Get Slimey safely across the river
Scenario
Must-Have
“Nice to have”
Size or Equipment Limitations
Materials
(can or can’t use)
Get Slimey safely across the river

9. You will be solving an engineering problem for one of the teachers
This year:
You will be solving an engineering problem for one of the teachers
Teacher is the customer
You are the engineering team
PSU mentors are the project managers

10. Ask the right questions
Define the problem
Ask the right questions
With your team:
Begin the last page of the worksheet