A student-centered lesson that brings engineering to life with real-world problem-solving examples and collaborative discussion prompts.

Help your students think like engineers with this engaging, editable presentation designed to introduce the Engineering Design Process (EDP). Perfect for middle and high school science or STEM classrooms, this resource walks students through each step of the process using relatable examples and group activities to reinforce key concepts.

✨ What’s Included:

✅ Editable PowerPoint Presentation (or Google Slides)

• What is the Engineering Design Process?
  • Clear definition: A series of steps engineers work through to define and solve problems.
  • Encourages students to think of everyday problems (e.g., broken backpack strap, messy closet) as design challenges they can solve.
  

✅ Step-by-Step Breakdown of the EDP:

• Step 1: Identify the Problem – Define a clear problem statement with examples (heavy, uncomfortable backpacks).
  
• Step 2: Research and Brainstorm – Students explore existing solutions and brainstorm creative new ideas.
  
• Step 3: Plan and Design – Evaluate options, select the best idea, and create detailed blueprints.
  
• Step 4: Build and Test – Construct prototypes and test for effectiveness.
  
• Step 5: Evaluate and Improve – Analyze feedback and refine the design.
  
• Step 6: Share the Solution – Present the improved product and reflect on the process.
  

✅ Classroom Discussion Prompts:

• Embedded at each stage to encourage collaboration and critical thinking.
  

✅ Real-World Example Throughout:

• Follows the redesign of a backpack to illustrate the engineering design cycle in action.
  

Knowledge & Skills Students Will Develop:

✔ Understand the purpose and steps of the Engineering Design Process.
✔ Apply critical thinking to identify problems and propose solutions.
✔ Collaborate effectively in group discussions and design activities.
✔ Develop creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills—essential for STEM success.

Perfect For:

• Middle and High School Science, STEM, or Engineering (Grades 6–10)
  
• NGSS-aligned instruction (Science & Engineering Practices: Defining Problems & Designing Solutions)
  
• Back-to-school STEM challenges, engineering units, or introductory design lessons
  
• Traditional, hybrid, and 1:1 classrooms (Google Classroom compatible)
  

Teaching Tip: Pair this presentation with a hands-on EDP activity where students design and test their solutions to a classroom problem.