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Builder's Lab / Week 12 / Monday
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Week 12 · Your Own Challenge

Monday

Find a problem
// Design, build, test and share
⏱ about 20 min

Monday: Find a Problem

Rocket's markers roll off the lab table. Clack, clack, clack!

"That is a problem," Raven says. "What do you notice?"

"They are round, so they roll," Rocket says.

Nova hovers. "Would you like a hint? This week, you pick the problem."

Rocket grins. "Our own challenge!"

Engineers start with a problem

Look around your home.

What keeps falling, rolling, spilling or getting lost?

That could be your challenge!

  • Markers that roll away
  • A toy that needs a bridge or a ramp
  • A paper plane that needs a landing zone
  • A plant that needs a shade

Make it clear

A good challenge has a goal you can measure.

Fuzzy goalClear goal
Hold markersHold 6 markers standing up
Make it strongHold 10 coins without sagging
Make it slowTake 5 seconds or more
CLEAR GOALS
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Which goal is clear?
Which step is finding the problem?
IdeaTrue or false?
A good goal has something you can measure.?
Engineers solve problems people want fixed.?
You must build before you ask.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEA clear problem and goal guide every other step.
FUZZY OR CLEAR?
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Make it slow. Fuzzy or clear?
Hold 10 coins without sagging. Fuzzy or clear?
Which tool checks a goal of 5 seconds?
A PROBLEM HUNT
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Next
3Then
4Last
Try it
Walk around your home with a grown-up.
Find two small problems a build could fix.
Pick the one you like best.
Safety first
Look, do not climb.
Stay with your grown-up.
Draw the problem you picked.

You found your own problem. That is how engineers start!

Tomorrow, we imagine and plan.