Socially Engaged Engineering: Think Critically About the Impact of Engineered Solutions

Students identify consequences, positive and negative, of engineered solutions. They consider the potential impacts of the technologies they design. As students progress through their engineering journeys, they…

  • ask how the technology they designed help solve the problem.
  • consider that sometimes a technology designed to solve one problem creates or contributes to another problem.
  • consider that technological innovation, on its own, is not often enough to solve complex societal problems.

“Rock, Paper, Scissors”

Students discuss where they should build a TarPul as a means of crossing a river in a community. They discuss reasons for the different locations where they may build. Watch & Reflect:

Related Engineering Practices: Consider Problems in Context, Envision Multiple Solutions, Work Effectively in Teams
Featured Unit: Evaluating a Landscape

Reflection Questions

The groups brings up a few different variables—how far the bridge will be from the users in different parts of the community; proximity to a curve, which will erode more quickly; which users will and will not be able to walk to it.

Why do you think being close to the clinic is important? Who is helped by placing your bridge at E or at F? Who is harmed by these placements?

“Checks and Xs”

Two first-grade students explain their decision-making process for their nightlight’s communication system, and how it meets the criteria of the design challenge. Watch & Reflect:

Related Engineering Practices: Communicate Effectively, Balance Criteria and Constraints, Assess Implications of Solutions
Featured Unit: Engineering Nightlights

Reflection Questions

You can ask your students questions such as: Who else may need a nightlight like this? Can you think of anyone you know who may need a nightlight but wouldn’t be able to use your design? It is also important to introduce students to a diverse range of people with various needs. Brainstorm with students a list of people who might need a nightlight with specific needs.

All engineers should consider the people who will use the product as they design a solution to a problem. These students have been asked to design for the needs of Yazmin and Nasir, but they have also considered the needs of other users.