Teach students how engineers design, test, and improve solutions with this Applied Engineering Week 2 project-based CTE unit focused on the Engineering Design Process (EDP). Designed for Grades 6–12, this 5-day Engineering CTE resource (40–50 minute lessons) moves students from conceptual understanding into hands-on prototyping, testing, and redesign.

Students define a design problem, establish criteria and constraints, brainstorm ideas, build and test prototypes, analyze data, redesign solutions, and explain how their thinking evolved. Instruction builds toward an Engineering Design Process Presentation Mini Capstone, where students justify design decisions using testing evidence and redesign reasoning.

This unit functions as Week 2 of a 4-Week Applied Engineering sequence, but may also be taught as a stand-alone Engineering Design Process mini-unit in Engineering, STEM, or CTE courses.

WHERE THIS UNIT FITS IN YOUR ENGINEERING CTE CURRICULUM

This resource is designed to function as:

• Applied Skills – Week 2 following Engineering Foundations instruction
• Part of a 4-Week Applied Engineering course
• An Engineering Design Process (EDP) mini-unit
• A project-based learning (PBL) assessment
• A sub-friendly, low-prep lesson sequence
  

When paired with the Engineering Careers – 6-Week Foundations Unit, this unit contributes to a 10-Week Engineering CTE Core Pathway that moves students from career awareness to applied skills and professional reasoning.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

(TEACHER-READY & LOW PREP)

• 5 teacher-ready daily lesson plans (40–50 minutes each)
• Editable Google Slides with student follow-along
• Student-friendly learning intentions and success criteria
• Print-ready PDF student handouts
• Engineering Design Process Overview Organizer
• Defining the Problem & Design Criteria Organizer
• Brainstorming, Prototyping & Testing Data Log
• Redesign & Optimization Planning Sheet
• Engineering Design Process Presentation Mini Capstone
• Daily exit tickets
• Teacher answer keys with sample responses
• Optional guided video slides (Before / During / After prompts)
• Parent letter included

5-DAY LESSON BREAKDOWN

Day 1 – The Engineering Design Process
Students explore the steps of the Engineering Design Process and why engineers iterate designs.

Day 2 – Defining the Problem & Design Criteria
Students write clear problem statements and identify criteria and constraints.

Day 3 – Brainstorming, Prototyping & Testing
Students generate ideas, build a prototype, and collect testing data.

Day 4 – Redesign & Optimization (Guided Application)
Students redesign their solution using evidence from testing and justify improvements.

Day 5 – Engineering Design Process Presentation (Mini Capstone)
Students present how their design evolved through the Engineering Design Process.

SKILLS & CONCEPTS COVERED

• Engineering Design Process (EDP)
• Problem definition, criteria, and constraints
• Brainstorming and prototyping
• Testing and data analysis
• Redesign and optimization
• Professional communication and justification

STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

National CTE Career Cluster: STEM / Engineering

• Apply the Engineering Design Process to solve problems
• Define design criteria and constraints
• Test and evaluate engineering solutions
• Use data to guide redesign decisions
  

College & Career Readiness / 21st Century Skills

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Persistence & Adaptability
• Career Readiness

BUNDLE & CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

This unit is Week 2 of a 4-Week Applied Engineering sequence designed to build on foundational engineering knowledge and prepare students for applied projects and end-of-pathway capstone work.

It pairs seamlessly with:

• Engineering Careers – 6-Week Foundations Unit
  

Together, these resources create a 10-Week Engineering CTE Core Pathway that moves students from awareness to application and professional readiness.

Each Applied Engineering week may also be taught independently if needed.

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Engineering Careers, Manufacturing Careers, Advanced Manufacturing, STEM Careers, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Career Exploration, Career Readiness, Workplace Readiness, Career Pathways, Skilled Trades, Industrial Technology, Engineering and Design, Technical Education, Workforce Preparation, Real World Skills, College and Career Readiness, Engineering Design Process, Problem Solving, STEM Projects, Engineering Disciplines, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Project Management, Teamwork and Collaboration, Innovation, Prototyping, Engineering Ethics, Global Challenges