Helen Haller 4th Graders Explore the Engineering Design Process with Mr. Lee
This September, fourth graders at Helen Haller Elementary School got hands-on with problem-solving as they dove into the Engineering Design Process with STEM educator Mr. Lee. His interactive lesson gave students a chance to think and act like engineers while working through a structured approach to innovation.
The engineering process begins with identifying the challenge at hand. Students are asked to consider: What problem are we trying to solve? From there, students move on to gathering materials and thinking about the end goal. This phase encourages critical thinking, as students must explore what resources they need and how they envision the final product.
Once they’ve explored their options, it’s time for students to design and plan. Students are encouraged to brainstorm as many ideas as possible, considering all possibilities before deciding on a specific solution. With a plan in place, they move into the “Create” phase, where they build their designs and see their ideas come to life.
But the process doesn’t stop there. After creating their prototypes, students test their designs to see how well they work. This testing phase is key, as it allows them to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Then, they move on to improve their designs, making adjustments and re-testing in an effort to refine their solutions.
The Engineering Design Process is part of Helen Haller Elementary’s broader focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. By engaging in activities like these, students are not only learning technical skills but also developing important qualities like perseverance, creativity, and teamwork. These are skills children carry with them long after the lesson is over, preparing them for future academic challenges and beyond.