Design Squad Slides
Engineering Workshop
Design Squad
The Paper Bridge Challenge
What is Engineering?
Engineers are problem solvers who use science and math to build things that help people.
- They identify problems.
- They design solutions.
- They test and improve!
The Challenge
Design and build a structure that can support a heavy weight using only paper and tape.
Build It
Must stand on its own
Load It
Support 100g weight
Measure It
Minimum 6 inches tall
The Rules
Criteria (Must Haves)
- Supports the weight for 10 seconds.
- Must be made of paper & tape.
- Must be free-standing.
Constraints (Limits)
- Only 10 sheets of paper.
- Only 12 inches of tape.
- Only 20 minutes to build.
The Design Process
1
ASK
2
IMAGINE
3
PLAN
4
CREATE
5
IMPROVE
"Fail early, fail often, and iterate!"
Building Phase
Time to bring your blueprint to life!
Collaborate
Talk through your build
Watch the Clock
20 minutes total
Testing & Reflection
Questions to Ask:
- • Why did it hold (or break)?
- • Where was the weakest point?
- • How would you change it?
Great Job!
Every "failure" is just data for your next better design.
Engineering Design Challenge Lesson Plan
Engineering Design Challenge
Grade 4 • STEM Workshop Series
Duration
60 Minutes
Lesson Purpose
In this hands-on engineering challenge, students work in teams to solve a real-world problem. This lesson is designed to enhance critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as students apply engineering principles to develop innovative solutions.
Learning Objective
Students will enhance their problem-solving and collaboration skills by designing, building, and testing a weight-bearing structure.
Teaching Approach
Inquiry-based learning & iterative engineering design.
Required Materials
- Paper (10 sheets/team)
- Pencils
- Scissors
- Tape (12 inches/team)
- Rulers
- Weights (e.g., washers, coins)
- Design Worksheet
Instructional Roadmap
1
Introduction
10 MINS
- Define engineering: "Using science and math to solve human problems."
- Explain the challenge: Build a structure to hold weight using only paper/tape.
- Define success: Standing for 10 seconds while supporting the target weight.
2
Team Planning
10 MINS
- Divide students into teams of 3–4.
- Distribute **Engineering Design Worksheets**.
- Teams brainstorm and sketch initial ideas. Emphasize that every team member's voice should be heard.
3
Building Phase
20 MINS
- Provide materials. Remind them of constraints (limited paper/tape).
- Students construct based on their plan.
- **Teacher Action:** Circulate and ask: "Why did you choose this shape?" or "How can you make this joint stronger?"
4
Testing & Evaluation
10 MINS
- Conduct a "Gallery Walk" or front-of-room tests.
- Place weight on structure for 10 seconds.
- Record results on worksheets. Discuss immediate observations (failure points vs. successes).
5
Reflection & Closure
10 MINS
- Group discussion: What was the hardest part?
- Identify common themes (e.g., triangles are stronger than squares).
- Connection to life: Where do you see these principles in buildings or bridges?
Pro-Tips for Facilitation
Managing Chaos: Set a clear "Stop Building" signal. Use a timer displayed on the screen.
Material Limits: Pre-cut the tape into 12-inch strips to prevent students from using too much.
Encouragement: If a structure fails during building, remind them: "Now you have data! How can you fix it?"
Extensions: For fast finishers, challenge them to use *less* paper for the same weight.
Engineering Design Worksheet
Engineering Design Worksheet
Follow the engineering design process to build your structure.
Team:
Date:
1
Ask: The Problem
What is the problem you are trying to solve? Describe the challenge in your own words.
2
Identify Materials
List the materials you have available for your design.
3
Imagine & Plan: Design Sketch
Sketch your initial design idea below. Use labels to show important parts of your design.
4
Create & Improve: Iteration
What changes did you make to your design during the building phase? Explain why you made these changes.
5
Test & Evaluate
Did your structure hold the weight? Why or why not? Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses.
Yes, it held!
No, it failed
6
What's Next?
What would you do differently next time? Think about improvements or new ideas.
"Engineers don't fail, they find ways that don't work yet."
