Engineering · lesson 3 of 24 · free

The engineering design process — Engineering for kids

Engineers follow the same steps for every problem. Ask: what is the problem, who will use the solution, and what are the limits? Imagine: brainstorm many ideas. Plan: choose one, draw a labelled diagram and list the materials. Create: build a model or prototype. Test: try it and measure how well it works. Improve: fix the weak parts and test again. The process is a loop — good designs go round it many times.

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Engineer's tip

Ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve — “six steps in order — and round the loop again”

  1. Ask (problem, users, limits) → Imagine (many ideas) → Plan (diagram, materials).
  2. Create (build a prototype) → Test (measure) → Improve (fix and retest).
  3. It is a loop: after Improve, test again.

Use it for: Every design-and-technology project, science fairs, STEM challenges and robotics clubs.

Worked example: 🔄 Which design-process step is it to brainstorm many ideas? → Imagine

  1. Brainstorming means thinking of lots of possible ideas.
  2. That is the Imagine step.

Check: Drawing a labelled diagram comes next, in the Plan step ✓

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✏️ Practice

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🏁 Lesson 3 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Engineering Design Process Worksheet

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