Engineering Design Process
Updated: Dec 7, 2024
Through this course, we learned that there are five main strands in Ontario Science and Technology curriculum. However, Strand A. is interconnected to all other four strands. Strand A focuses on the STEM skills that will enable students to explore and investigate concepts. Students apply these skills as they integrate knowledge from the other four strands and as they make connections between these skills and knowledge and real-world issues in science and technology as well as other subject areas.
In this strand, students use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to carry out formal investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate their findings. Students also learn how to follow established health and safety procedures.
In week 5 we learned how to conduct a engineering design process and to include all steps of a structured inquiry. The image below is taken from the course resources and show the process of conducting scientific inquiry.
The reading Inquiry Takes Time provides valuable insights into teaching students the skills needed to conduct ongoing inquiry effectively. As an educator in training, I often wondered what comes next after planting seeds and observing their growth. How do we sustain student engagement in the topic beyond the initial excitement?
This reading offered practical and meaningful strategies for designing inquiries that are not only educational but also support and deepen student learning over time. It reinforced the idea that inquiry is a continuous process, requiring thoughtful planning to keep students curious, engaged, and motivated to explore further.
Resources. NSTA. (n.d.). https://www.nsta.org/resources
Home - NSTA science supply guide. Home - NSTA Science Supply Guide. (n.d.). https://nstasciencesupplyguide.com/
The most important part of the inquiry process is asking good questions. Questions play a crucial role in sparking curiosity and driving exploration. They encourage individuals to seek out new information, challenge assumptions, and delve deeper into subjects of interest. By fostering a questioning mindset, we open the door to continuous learning and discovery.
Inquiry-Based teaching in Mathematics and Science
In this resources created by OISE University of Toronto, The Robertson Program give Ontario Science Curriculum based inquiry project examples which can be added to any classroom.
In this image, our group used simple machines to create a automatic trash bin that would push the water bottle into the bin. For this project, we used inclined plains, wedges and a pulley. It was fun and challenging and it was interesting to see how other groups come up with more advance designs. However, with given guided inquiry and resources we built an automatic trash bin.
Resources
Focus on Inquiry an inquiry based educational resource to help teachers in preparing lesson plans that incorporate inquiry.
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