Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
Introduction to Engineering: 6.A.4
Brainstorming & Solving Engineering Problems with a Decision Matrix
Grade Level
6
Sessions
Seasonality
Instructional Mode(s)
Team Size
WPS Benchmarks
1 – approximately 45 minutes
N/A
Whole class demonstration and Group Activity
N/A
06.SC.TE.07
06.SC.TE.08
06.SC.TE.09
06.SC.TE.10
06.SC.TE.11
6-8.TE.2.1
6-8.TE.2.2
6-8.TE.2.3
6-8.TE.2.4
6-8.TE.2.5
Brainstorming, Engineering Design Process, Prototype, Solution
MA Frameworks
Key Words
Summary
Students will develop a better understanding of brainstorming as well as how to solve
engineering problems. The rules of brainstorming will be reviewed followed by a
brainstorming activity as a class. In groups the students will then work out an
engineering problem on their own, brainstorm solutions and use tools to find the best
solution to the problem. A homework assignment is also included to reinforce the criteria
of the lesson.
Learning Objectives
2002 Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Benchmarks for Grade 6
06.SC.TE.07 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process, e.g.,
identify the need or problem, research the problem, develop possible solutions, select
the best possible design, select the best possible solution(s), construct a prototype, test
and evaluate, communicate the solution(s), and redesign.
06.SC.TE.08 Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design problem, e.g.,
sketches, orthographic projections, multiview drawings.
06.SC.TE.09 Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.
1
Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
06.SC.TE.10 Identify appropriate materials, tools, and machines needed to construct a
prototype of a given engineering design.
06.SC.TE.11 Explain how such design features as size, shape, weight, function, and
cost limitations would affect the construction of a given prototype.
Additional Learning Objectives
1. 6-8.TE.2.1 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process, e.g.,
identify the need or problem, research the problem, develop possible solutions,
select the best possible design, select the best possible solution(s), construct a
prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s), and redesign.
2. 6-8.TE.2.2 Demonstrate methods of representing solutions to a design problem,
e.g., sketches, orthographic projections, multiview drawings.
3. 6-8.TE.2.3 Describe and explain the purpose of a given prototype.
4. 6-8.TE.2.4 Identify appropriate materials, tools, and machines needed to
construct a prototype of a given engineering design.
5. 6-8.TE.2.5 Explain how such design features as size, shape, weight, function,
and cost limitations would affect the construction of a given prototype.
6. The students will have a strong grasp of how to brainstorm.
7. The students will have a better understanding of the engineering design process.
8. The students will understand how to use the Matrix.
9. The students will understand how to choose the best solution.
Required Background Knowledge
None
Essential Questions
1. How does brainstorming work?
2. Most problems have more than one solution. How do you know which are the best
possible solutions for given problems?
Introduction / Motivation
Review what brainstorming is and the Rules for Brainstorming.
2
Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
Procedure
The instructor will:
1. Give an example of an engineering problem and then perform a brainstorming
activity. (5 minutes) Here are a few ideas:
•
Design something to make getting to school faster.
•
Design something to make getting to school easier.
•
Design something to help you communicate with you friends whenever
you want from wherever you are.
•
Design a luxury house for your pet.
2. Discuss the criteria that could influence their decision for a solution (5 minutes).
Here are a few examples for the getting to school faster engineering problem:
•
The design should be inexpensive.
•
The design should be safe for those going to school as well as other
people.
•
The design should be reliable.
•
The design should not inconvenience other people (example: it wouldn’t
involve closing roads to people not going to school).
•
The design should not break any laws (example: can’t go over the speed
limit).
Here are a few examples for the designing a luxury house for your pet:
•
The design must be inexpensive.
•
The design must be sturdy (you shouldn’t have to replace things too
frequently).
•
The design must be safe for your pet, visitors, and pet owners.
•
The design must be versatile (if you design the home for a puppy, it must
also be useful for an adult dog).
3. Then, on the board, have the students use the matrix to rank each solution (15
minutes). See Decision Matrix and Decision Matrix Example.
4. Give the students an engineering problem to work on in groups (See Rules for
Brainstorming). Have them brainstorm solutions and then create a Matrix to find
the best solution (15 minutes).
3
Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
5. For homework have the students begin to learn/memorize the Engineering
Design Process (See Steps to the Engineering Design Process).
Materials List
Materials per class
Amount
Location
Poster board or chalkboard
One
Supermarket or Office Supply Store
Markers or Chalk
One
Supermarket or Office Supply Store
Materials per student
None
Amount
Location
N/A
N/A
Vocabulary with Definitions (in alphabetical order)
1. Brainstorm –
a. To raise ideas and suggestions in a small group. Brainstorming helps a group
consider all possible solutions to a problem before deciding which the most suitable
choice is.
b. When you think of many different ideas, and sort them out later.
c. To think of lots of different ideas about something quickly.
d. Try to solve a problem by thinking intensely about it.
e. To attempt to solve a problem by a method in which the members of a group
spontaneously propose ideas and solutions. A device used to generate a large
quantity of ideas, not necessarily creative or original.
1. Decision Matrix – A matrix used to select the best design among multiple designs
based on design criteria.
2. Engineering Design Process - The systematic and creative application of scientific
and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and
operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.
(See Introduction to Engineering Attachment for full Process)
3. Prototype - A full-scale working model used to test a design concept by making
actual observations and necessary adjustments.
4. Solution - The act or process of solving a problem; the answer to a problem.
4
Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
Assessment / Evaluation of Students
The students will be graded on their class participation in the brainstorming example,
group work, and homework.
Lesson Extensions
The instructor might use this lesson as part of the Introduction to Engineer Unit.
Attachments
1. Rules for Brainstorming
2. Steps to the Engineering Design Process
3. Engineering Design Process Worksheet
4. Decision Matrix
5. Decision Matrix Example
Troubleshooting Tips
The engineering problem we used was the power plant system grid and how blackouts
work. The students had to find a solution to preventing blackouts. Ideas were use less
electricity around the house (great with parents), build more or better power plants, etc.
Other problems can be found in the Rules for Brainstorming.
Safety Issues
None
Additional Resources
Ideas for problems to brainstorm and extra material for lesson:
The Inventive Thinking Curriculum Project. An Outreach Program of the United States
Patent and Trademark Office.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ahrpa/opa/projxl/invthink/invthink.htm
Key Words
Brainstorming, Engineering Design Process, Prototype, Solution
5
Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Worcester Public Schools
Supported by: National Science Foundation
6
Rules for Brainstorming
What is Brainstorming?:
1. To raise ideas and suggestions in a small group. Brainstorming helps a group
consider all possible solutions to a problem before deciding which the most
suitable choice is.
2. When you think of many different ideas, and sort them out later.
3. To think of lots of different ideas about something quickly
4. Try to solve a problem by thinking intensely about it
5. To attempt to solve a problem by a method in which the members of a group
spontaneously propose ideas and solutions. A device used to generate a
large quantity of ideas, not necessarily creative or original.
Rules for Brainstorming:
• NO CRITICISM ALLOWED. People tend to automatically evaluate each
suggested idea--their own as well as others. Both internal and external
criticism is to be avoided while brainstorming. Neither positive nor negative
comments are allowed. Either type inhibits the free flow of thought and
requires time which interferes with the next rule. Write each spoken idea
down as it is given and move on.
•
WORK FOR QUANTITY. Alex Osborn stated that "Quantity breeds quality."
People must experience a "braindrain" (get all the common responses out of
the way) before the innovative, creative ideas can surface; therefore, the
more ideas, the more likely they are to be quality ideas.
•
HITCHHIKING WELCOME. Hitchhiking occurs when one member's idea
produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea in another member. All ideas
should be recorded.
•
FREEWHEELING ENCOURAGED. Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly
unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is not uncommon for the most offthe-wall comment to be one wherein lies the solution for the problem.
Ideas for short brainstorming exercises:
• Imagine you are on your winter break from school. You and couple of your
close friends have been planning to sleepover in one of your friend’s house.
You’ve been planning this getaway event for weeks now. Unfortunately, on
the day of that the event there is a strong snow storm coming to town.
Brainstorm ideas as to how would you convince your parents that it’ll be safe
in your friend’s house.
•
Imagine you go apple picking with you family. You younger brother
challenges you to see who can pick up the most number of apples. What
would you do to make sure you get more apples than your brother?
•
Your group is a team of highly talented and creative engineers! You are
asked by the President of the United States to develop a space shuttle that
the President Family and cabinet members could tour the moon. What are
some of the topics you would consider in developing this space shuttle?
Steps of the Engineering Design Process
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________
Engineering Design Process Worksheet
Directions: Fill in the missing steps for the engineering Design Process.
Step 1: Identify
the Need or
Problem
Step 2: Research
the Need or
Problem
Step 8:
Step 7:
Communicate the
Solution(s)
Step 3:
Step 6: Test and
Evaluate the
Solution(s)
Step 4: Select
the Best Possible
Solution(s)
Step 5:
Step 3:
Step 5:
Step 8:
Decision Matrix
Directions: Fill in the criteria for you design in the left hand column. Fill in
the names of each of your designs along the top row. Determine if each
design fulfills each criterion. If the design does fulfill the criterion, put a
number 1 in the corresponding box. If the criteria does not fulfill the
criterion, put a zero in the corresponding box.
Design for ____________________________________________________.
Criteria
Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5
Criteria 1
1
0
0
1
1
Criteria 2
0
1
1
0
1
Criteria 3
1
0
0
0
0
Criteria 4
0
1
1
0
1
Criteria 5
0
1
0
0
1
Total
2
3
2
1
4
After you have filed in the ranking of each design, calculate the total for each
design.
The design with the highest score is the best design. In the example above, the
best design is Design 5.
Design Matrix Example
Directions: Fill in the criteria for you design in the left hand column. Fill in
the names of each of your designs along the top row. Determine if each
design fulfills each criterion. If the design does fulfill the criterion, put a
number 1 in the corresponding box. If the criteria does not fulfill the
criterion, put a zero in the corresponding box.
Design for making bicycle riding safer..
Criteria
Very
Wide
Tires
Safe
1
1
1
1
Inexpensive
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
“Cool” Bicycle
0
1
1
0
Total
1
3
6
2
Fast Bicycle
Riding
Maneuverable
Bicycle
Lightweight
Bicycle
Mattresses
Training
for
Helmets
Wheels
Sidewalks
After you have filed in the ranking of each design, calculate the total for each
design.
The design with the highest score is the best design. In the example above, the
best design is Helmets.