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Exploring the Engineering Design Process: Duct Tape Wallets

An 8th Grade STEM Lesson

Julie Gentry

July 2023

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Notes for Teachers

In this lesson, students will learn about the Engineering Design Process and its uses and benefits. The students will then apply what they have learned to the construction of a duct tape wallet for a classmate (“customer”). The slide deck walks you through everything that you need to know and the worksheet walks the student through the process!

List of Materials

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Standards

Career Literacy Standards:

2.1 Develop strategies for productive behaviors that impact critical thinking and problem-solving skills

2.2 Implement problem-solving strategies to solve a problem in school or real-world situations

Mathematical Practices:

MP.5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

Engineering Technical Standards:

15.2.1-15.2.8

2.1 Identify the problem 2.2 Develop a problem statement based on facts, research, and experience 2.3 Explore possible issues or options to the problem 2.4 Select the best solution within the constraints and criteria 2.5 Develop a prototype or model to test the selected solution 2.6 Implement the solution 2.7 Evaluate the solution, and revise or repeat if necessary (i.e., Are there other solutions, better solutions, or cheaper solutions? etc.) 2.8 Document and report all results.

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Objective(s):

Today we will:

Learn what the Engineering Design Process is
Learn how to apply the Engineering Design Process in the real world
Practice giving and receiving actionable feedback

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Agenda (lesson time)

Bellwork: 15 minutes

Lesson: 15 minutes

Introduce assignment/ pass out worksheets: 10 minutes

Independent work time: 1 to 2 weeks

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

What is the Engineering Design Process?

How can the Engineering Design Process be applied to real world issues?

Have you ever created a product for a customer?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students work independently and are assigned a “customer” at random.
I put all of the student names in a bowl and have them draw a name!
See Worksheet for step-by-step instructions.

Linked HERE

I give students 1 to 2 weeks to complete assignment depending on how often and how long you see them.

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Assessment

Students will be evaluated after each step of the Engineering Design Process for completion of the step. This will occur prior to the student moving on to the next step.

After the assignment is completed and the duct tape wallet has been given to the customer, the customer will provide feedback on the process from their end. That feedback combined with teacher observations will be how a grade is assigned.

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Differentiation

Provide the information on each of the steps from the slide deck on a printout for easy access and reference.

Some students may need extra assistance with construction due to fine motor difficulties. Allow students to help their classmates as needed or you can provide assistance.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Have “customers” write a review of the student making the wallet for them. Have them write it in the style of a customer reviewing a business. Assign 1 to 5 stars and state why they received that rating.

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