4th Grade STEM: Engineering Design Process

Have you ever seen a pumpkin fly? Prairie Woods 4th graders in Ms. Wilkey's STEAM class made it happen. Inspired by "punkin chunkin" festivals and contests throughout the United States, students had a blast testing their engineering skills. Using the engineering design process, they worked in teams to design, build, and test catapults to see who could launch their candy pumpkin the furthest.

The steps of this process include:

1. Ask what the problem or constraints are.

2. Imagine some solutions or designs, then plan and create with your team.

3. Test and improve as you build.

4. Share your design or solution.

Participating in these challenges help build grit and resilience in our students. When it comes to STEAM challenges (activities), success doesn’t always look like a completed build. Success may be learning what doesn't work. We want students to have a productive struggle when they are building. Learning what doesn't work can be just as valuable as learning what does work.