Introductory engineering experiences for after school programs and elementary school students (ages 8 to 12). Funded by the National Science Foundation and developed by Education Development Center, Inc.
Design It! includes a guide for each project and a special guide for implementing all of the projects. These extended projects allow for the development of basic engineering principles (such as troubleshooting and optimization), exemplify the design process and promote problem solving and creativity.
There is more to this project than just making a car and attaching an inflated balloon to get it to move. Real engineering is involved in designing a way to support the balloon and get it to work consistently. Optimization comes up when trying to match the power requirements of the car with the right kind of balloon. Other variables such as nozzles can be designed and tested. Instructional Material, 56 Pages.
