Grade 6 · Science · Lesson 33

Design a Solution to a Local Problem

Engineers solve problems for real people. In this project lesson you will pick a problem in your own community — too much litter near the school, a noisy classroom, a playground that floods, a bus stop with no shade — and design a solution using the engineering design cycle. Scientists discover how the world works; engineers use that knowledge to make things better.

What this lesson teaches

1Define a local problem in clear, specific terms
2Apply the engineering design cycle to brainstorm and choose a solution
3List criteria a solution must meet and constraints it must respect
4Compare two prototypes by weighing tradeoffs and planning the next iteration

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