1. MCAS Science Review
Technology and Engineering

2. Engineering Design
What is the process needed to solve an engineering problem?
What is a problem that might need shelter, storage, or convenience?
Describe some of the different ways in which a problem can be represented (for
example, sketches, diagrams, graphic organizers, and lists)?
Describe some of the important design features (for example, size, shape, and
weight) for building a prototype of a solution to a given problem?
How do natural systems compare to mechanical systems that are designed to
serve similar purposes (for example, bird’s wings as compared to an airplane’s
wings)?

3. The Engineering Design Process
Engineers follow this process when they use their skills to design a solution to a
problem. Sometimes engineers start at other places than ASK, or they go back and forth
between one or more of these steps to come up with the best solution. Sometimes they
may only solve part of the problem then pass it on to someone else.
1 -- ASK 2 -- IMAGINE
THE
5 -- IMPROVE GOAL 3 -- PLAN
4 -- CREATE

4. The Engineering Design Process
Questions and thoughts to guide you:
Diagram Your Idea
What do I want to do?
1 -- ASK What is the problem?
What have others done?
What could be some solutions?
Brainstorm ideas.
2 -- IMAGINE
To begin, pick the one idea that you think
might work the best.
Draw a diagram of your idea.
Make lists of materials you will need to make
3 -- PLAN
it.
Decide how it works and how you might test it.
Build a prototype.
4 -- CREATE Test it.
Talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what
could work better.
5 -- IMPROVE
5 -- IMPROVE Talk about how you could improve your
product.
Draw new designs.

5. An Example of an Engineering Design Process
Following is a sample design process for a better mop:
THE
GOAL
What do I want to do? Build an easy to use, effective floor mop.
1 -- ASK What is the problem? Most mops are hard to use.
What have others done? Most mops are made of sponge or fibers.
What could be some solutions? Using cloth on a flat pad instead.
2 -- IMAGINE Brainstorm ideas. Microfiber? Disposable? Removable? Permanent?
To begin, pick the one idea that you think might work the best. Microfiber
pad and liquid.
Draw a diagram of your idea.
3 -- PLAN Make lists of materials you will need to make it. PVC pipe, pad, wood,
pulley, rope, squirt bottle, microfiber cloth…
Decide how it works and how you might test it.
Build a prototype.
4 -- CREATE
Test it.
Talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what could work better.
Talk about how you could improve your product.
5 -- IMPROVE
5 -- IMPROVE Draw new designs.
Make your product the best it can be.

6. Engineering Design
What are some problems that might need shelter, storage, or convenience?
Build a better dog house
Build a squirrel-proof bird feeder
Build an easy-to-clean birdhouse
Build a dog food storage bin

7. Engineering Design
A design problem can be represented in different ways, including sketches,
diagrams, graphic organizers, and lists.
Sketch Graphic organizer
Diagram List

8. Engineering Design
When building a prototype of a solution to a design problem, you need to consider
these features:
Size? Is the size appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and places
where the item will be used?
Shape? Is the shape appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and
places where the item will be used?
Weight? Is the weight appropriate for the function of the item and for the ways and
places where the item will be used?
Recyclability? When its usefulness if over, can the materials in the product be
easily recycled?
Easy to use/clean/maintain? Is the item easy to use, clean, and maintain?

9. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
Problem: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles and ice dams form, and
asphalt shingles can be damaged.

10. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
1-- ASK for a Solution to a Problem: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles
an ice dams form, and asphalt shingles can be damaged. How can we build a better
roof?
2 – IMAGINE different solutions: Single sheet? Different types of shingles? Metal
shingles? Grooved metal? Ways to melt icicles and prevent ice dams?

11. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
1-- ASK: In heavy snow, asphalt roofs collect snow, icicles and ice dams form, and
asphalt shingles can be damaged. How can we build a better roof?
2 – IMAGINE: Single sheet roof? Different types of shingles? Metal shingles? Grooved
metal? Ways to melt icicles and prevent ice dams?
1 -- ASK 2 -- IMAGINE
5 -- IMPROVE 3 -- PLAN
4 -- CREATE

12. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
2 – IMAGINE: How could a snow proof roof solve some existing problems with
asphalt roofs and with metal roofs?
Asphalt Roof Metal Roof

13. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
2 -- IMAGINE different solutions: What materials would be useful
for a snow-proof roof?
Size? What size roof would provide adequate shelter, be tight
enough to prevent leaks, slippery enough to shed the snow, and
direct water away from the foundation?
Shape? What shape of roof allow snow to fall off easily and melt
quickly, while providing insulation in summer and winter?
Weight? What weigh of roof be too heavy for the average house
structure? Will it stay attached in high winds?
Recyclability? Can the type of metal material used in the roof be
recycled when it needs to be replaced?
Easy to use/clean/maintain? Is the item easy to use, clean, and
maintain? Will water, snow, and ice fall easily off the roof? How long
will the roof last? What kinds of maintenance might be needed?

14. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
3 – PLAN: Research existing roofing technology and design a prototype for a metal roof.
Draw a diagram, make a list of materials.
Asphalt Roof Metal Roof
Metal
shingles

15. Example: Designing a Snow-Proof Roof
4 – CREATE: Build a prototype or model snow-proof roof – Test it, question it.
5 – IMPROVE: Make modifications to the design, building, and materials based on
results of testing.

16. Final Product: Best Type of Snow-Proof Roof

17. Design Inspired by Nature
How do natural systems compare to mechanical systems that are designed to serve
similar purposes?

18. Design Inspired by Nature
How does a bird wing compare to an airplane wing?

19. Design Inspired by Nature
Bird Beaks

20. Design Inspired by Nature
Bird Feet

21. Design Inspired by Nature
Fish and Whales

22. Design Inspired by Nature
Plants

23. Design Inspired by Nature
Plants

24. Design Inspired by Nature
Insects and Frogs

25. Design Inspired by Nature
Insects and Frogs

26. Works Cited for MCAS Science Review Slide Shows
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"Tools Incorporated - Broussard LA - Oilfield Downhole Equipment - Rental Tools - Directional Drilling Equipment - Stabilizers - Mudmotors."
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