Topology is considered an advanced field in mathematics, and it might seem off-putting to people with no previous experience in mathematics. The classification theorem, which lies within the field of algebraic topology, is fascinating, but understanding it requires extensive mathematical knowledge. In this manuscript, we present a modular object…

Among many perspectives in discussions of design, this study re-asserts the relation between "intuition" and "reasoning." The aim is to comprehend the role of intuition and reasoning in the design process. In order to do this, retrospective self-reports of the first year, rule-based architectural design studio students were…

Tacit knowledge, intuitive responses, empirical research -- how can design elevate itself as a discipline when its main forms of knowledge gathering and generation are still believed to be less valuable than those in traditional academia? Beginning design students must learn to put words to their actions, to understand their processes and to be…

This paper presents the assessment items that were developed by science and technology teachers in Québec to explore their students' alternative ideas about engineering design technology and technological systems. These assessment items were administered to Secondary Cycle One students in Francophone and Anglophone schools in Québec to elicit…

This case study explores young children's understanding and application of the concept of volume through the practices of engineering design in a STEM activity. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, engineering stands out as a challenging area to implement. In addition, most early engineering education…