Using Museum Experiences to Inform Marble Ramp Design

Watch this video where youth visit hands-on exhibits to build their knowledge and then apply this knowledge as they engineer their own marble ramps.

AS YOU WATCH THE VIDEO, THINK ABOUT:

• What youth can learn as they visit the museum exhibits and how that can that be applied in the engineering design process.
• Notice how the facilitators prompt youth to apply what they have learned during the museum visit while designing their marble ramps.

NOW THAT YOU’VE WATCHED THE VIDEO, REFLECT ON WHAT YOU SAW.  HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR WORK?

Engineers use their knowledge of science, math, and other areas in all phases of the engineering design process.

• How can you design engineering experiences that encourage youth to use their own understanding and knowledge of the world as they engineer?
• How can you integrate engineering with hands-on learning experiences – to generate knowledge?

Taking existing knowledge and applying it to solve real-world problems is the hallmark of engineering work. Create opportunities for youth to discuss their prior understanding and build new understanding of the world around them as they engage in engineering.