TRAILS

Engineering Design

Engineer’s have to…

"apply their scientific and engineering knowledge to the solution of technical problems, and then optimize those solutions within the requirements and constraints set by the material, technological, economic, legal, environmental and human-related considerations" (Lewis et al., 2005, p. 41).

What Makes Engineering Unique?

Design is the basic activity that differentiates engineering from science and is the one activity found in every field of engineering. TRAILS encourages students to design their own solution to solve given real-world problems.

"Engineering design process allows students to use mathematics and science inquiry to create and conduct experiments that will inform the learner about the function and performance of potential design solutions before a final prototype is constructed".
Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016).
A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education. International Journal of STEM Education

TRAILS Practice through 3D Printing Technology

Create Mold Template

Soft Bait Casting Material

Casting Soft Baits

7 Essential Features of Engineering Design-Based Science

  • Client Driven and Goal Oriented
  • Authentic Context
  • Includes constraints
  • Materials, tools, and equipment familiar to students
  • Yields a product (prototype) or process
  • Yields multiple solutions
  • Requires teamwork

TRAILS Design Process Model

Download Additional Resources:

Engineering Design Featured Lessons

Build a bug: Designing a Predator Insect

Build a bug: Designing a Predator Insect

Lesson Overview: The students will research what makes a good predator to design and 3D print a prototype of the ...
Read More
Build Your Own Wind Turbine

Build Your Own Wind Turbine

Lesson Overview: Students create a wind turbine that will be able to give clean power to at least 400 homes! ...
Read More
W.I.N.G.S

W.I.N.G.S

Lesson Overview: Students must design blades that mitigate the harmful effects on wildlife. Lesson Scenario: You are working for a ...
Read More

This project is supported by the National Science Foundation, award # DRL – 2148781 (Purdue University) / 2148782 (University of Hawaii). Any opinions and findings expressed in this material are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF.

Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, (765) 494-4600

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by TRAILS

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact TRAILS at Trails@purdue.edu.