Overview

Novel Engineering

• Inspired by kids and grounded in research, Novel Engineering is an innovative approach to integrate engineering and literacy in elementary and middle school.Students use existing classroom literature – stories, novels, and expository texts – as the basis for engineering design challenges that help them identify problems, design realistic solutions, and engage in the Engineering Design Process while reinforcing their literacy skills.

• Pull-up Man is a demonstration of rotational motion converted into linear motion. It is a simple 2D cam action toy made from cardstock and brass fasteners. A cam linkage on the back side converts the rotary motion of the crank to the linear motion of the man. Here are the pieces that make up this kit:

What does NE look like?

• Read a book and identify problems
  • Through discussion and attentive reading, students collect problems that characters face.
• Scope problems and brainstorm solutions
  • Students consider the needs of the story’s character/client and the context/constraints imposed by the text as they brainstorm possible solutions.
• Design a solution
  • Students work in teams to plan and build a functional prototype that addresses the character’s needs and constraints.