STEMonstrations: Engineering Design Process | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Astronauts explain how engineers use the Engineering Design Process to develop solutions for technical problems in space, highlighting the importance of engineering in everyday life.

Key Insights

• 👾 The Engineering Design Process is essential for solving technical problems, both in space and everyday life.
• 😒 Engineers use science, math, and ingenuity to develop solutions that improve efficiency and functionality.
• 🧑‍💻 Items in the space station, from low-tech to high-tech, are examples of engineering solutions.
• ❓ Designing for microgravity poses unique challenges that engineers solve, such as fluid containment and providing stable workspaces.
• ❓ Continuous improvement is a crucial part of the Engineering Design Process.
• 👾 Engineering plays a vital role in space exploration and the development of transportation systems.
• 👾 Technical problems in space range from basic needs like drinking fluids to complex challenges like developing vehicles for Mars missions.

Transcript

[ music ] >> Hello. My name is Tom Marshburn. >> And I'm Matthias Maurer. >> And we're astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station, orbiting 250 miles above the Earth's surface. >> In the not-so-distant future, we'll be sending astronauts on missions that go deeper in space than we ever have before. To do that, we'll need t... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How do engineers use the Engineering Design Process?

Engineers use the Engineering Design Process to identify problems, gather resources and constraints, conduct research, develop solutions, select the best one, build and test the solution, record and present results, and continuously improve it.

Q: What are some examples of technical problems engineers solve in space?

Examples of technical problems in space include developing more efficient light bulbs, vehicles, and space transportation systems, as well as designing solutions for drinking fluids in microgravity and providing comfortable workspaces for astronauts.

Q: How do engineers design solutions for drinking fluids in space?

Engineers have designed a drinking pouch with a specially designed straw that has a clasp to prevent fluid from coming out when not in use. This allows astronauts to drink fluids in space without making a mess.

Q: How do engineers provide comfortable workspaces for astronauts in space?

Engineers have developed rounded hand and foot rails for astronauts to stay in place comfortably for short periods of time. They have also designed padded socks and foot restraints with cloth straps for longer periods of time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Engineering Design Process involves a series of steps to guide engineers in developing solutions for technical problems.

• Engineers use science, math, and ingenuity to create solutions for problems like developing more efficient light bulbs, vehicles, and space transportation systems.

• The space station is filled with items engineered using the design process, ranging from low-tech items like packaging to high-tech ones like computers and science experiments.