The intention of this article is to provide Technology and Engineering Educators (T&EEs) with a more thorough understanding of implementing the product realization process (PRP) to help manage the design and development processes in their classrooms. The product realization process (PRP) innately involves a practical combination of knowledge,…

Engineering design has been central to technology education. Currently, online collaborative platforms for designers are widely used as digital forms of an engineer's notebook. However, traditional forms are still valued as the medium of engineering design during the conceptual phase of design since a paper notebook and pen or pencil allow…

Picture students huddled around a 3D printer in a middle school classroom. They gaze at the object being printed, and exclamations of, "Where is that flag from?" "What does that symbol mean?" and "Oh; I didn't think of that!" can be heard. These examples of observation, curiosity, and critical thinking are the elusive…

Technology and Engineering Education (T&EE) includes "engineering design challenges" to establish a connection to designing and problem-solving indicative of being an Engineer. Engineering design challenges involving bridges (or towers) have been a common feature of the discipline. These bridge design challenges ask students to…

This article describes a class room activity introduced at Unionville High School in Kennett Square, PA. Humanities teacher Daniel Lipowitz partnered with engineering teacher Michael Berkeihiser and other STEM teachers to put the humanities (H) in "SHTEM." Sophomore English students were asked to re-engineer the conflict in common works…

Educators often hear about the need for students to be more creative, more free-thinking, and more exploratory throughout projects and class assignments. This article will highlight the importance of creating and implementing an open-classroom environment where students are confident in their ability to ask questions and capable of exploring a…

The basic concepts inherent to statics, including unbalanced and balanced forces and instability and stability of physical systems, have traditionally been covered in middle and high school physical science courses (Physical Science as indicated in "Next Generation Science Standards"). Yet, these concepts are covered using a physical…

As the authors are proponents for engineering education that is done well, they have provided an explanation of truss design using the Method of Joints that combines the application of practical hands-on learning with sound mathematical and scientific theory. The Method of Joints will allow students to design trusses to meet specified criteria…

By exposing students to the concept of digital agriculture earlier in their lives, they will be able to develop the proper mindset to advance the field further when they enter the professional world. Engaging students in activities such as the one described here, which center on the Grand Engineering Challenges and socially relevant contexts, may…

The two-stroke engine is an engineering marvel that has been incorporated into many aspects of modern-day life. While many seek to eliminate the two-stroke, others seek to revive this simple and effective power plant, aiming to make it more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. If successful, improvements could be far-reaching and…

In this article, the authors outline an innovation curriculum that can be taught to elementary-aged students to expand their creative and innovative abilities and potential. The curriculum focuses on divergent and convergent thinking principles embedded in a hands-on learning pedagogy. The curriculum framework is based on an innovation model known…

Research has shown that once a potential solution to a problem has settled into one's mind, it can be difficult to break from the original idea and move in a different direction (Cardoso & BadkeSchaub, 2009; Jansson & Smith, 1991). When designers are given examples (whether as models, photographs, sketches, or drawings), they often fixate…

This article discusses how middle and high school inner-city and rural students can increase their academic achievement and self-efficacy in STEM classes using The Digital Curriculum, a program that incorporates digital technology, software, and a design project. This curriculum, which integrates socially relevant content, gives students a chance…

This article describes a lesson in which students will utilize ideation and engineering design to innovate a solution to a design problem using common household products.

In order to be prepared for future college or careers, 21st century students should have critical thinking in their arsenal of soft skills. Most teachers and schools feel that critical thinking skills are important to teach, but unfortunately they have a lack of understanding of what critical thinking is and what strategies are best utilized to…