Innovation has been an important aspect of economic and scientific success in the United States for decades. Hobday, Coffey, Saalfeld, and Colwell (2011) suggested that, in order to produce innovative ideas, one must have a design-thinking mentality. This article provides the readers with an example of brainstorming techniques that have been…

On February 1, 2015, the New England Patriots clinched a 28-24 point win against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Going into the game, the Patriots were shrouded in controversy regarding possible deflated footballs in their American Football Conference (AFC) Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, most notably known as…

The world of man-made design is all around, in everyday objects and appliances people use without a second thought. In this exercise, students have an opportunity to challenge the common refrigerator's design--and improve it. This approach can be used with many other appliances.

There is concern about the diminishing availability of skilled personnel that can operate in the wide variety of disciplines associated with port operations. Increasing cargo volume, combined with a shrinking workforce, could potentially create alarming situations in the future, hence the motivation to publicize to current students the breadth and…

This article describes the "Kick Stick" activity from Design Squad Nation, in which kids turn a wooden paint stirrer and circuit into a motorized, spinning arm--then use it to kick a Ping-Pong[R] ball across the floor. Teachers can enrich their students' exploration of circuits and emphasize the engineering design process with "Design Squad…

Artists have used a variety of materials over the years for sculpting. They have been quick to use unusual pieces of technology to make a vibrant and unique statement, just as painters have created and used a wide variety of colors and derived pigments for their canvases. In this article, the author discusses a design challenge that gives students…

This article describes a challenge wherein students will be asked to design a portable first aid kit that is normally carried in a recreational vehicle (RV), but can also be hand-carried or backpacked off road for distances of approximately 1-2 miles. This can be a very practical challenge for the students because it touches everyone. Everybody…