[This post is part of our series, Engineering Practices in the Classroom, which explores what engineering practices are, why they matter, and what they look like in real classrooms. Today, we’re focusing on another core engineering practice: exploring the properties and uses of materials to inform design decisions.]

Everything humans have ever made—from the earliest stone tools to running shoes and satellites—depended on choosing the right materials. Engineers spend a lot of time exploring how materials behave so they can match those properties to a specific goal. Bridges must be made of materials that are strong and durable. A raincoat needs something flexible and waterproof.

[This post is part of our series, Engineering Practices in the Classroom, which explores what engineering practices are, why they matter, and what they look like in real classrooms. Today, we’re focusing on a foundational practice: using a structured process to solve problems.]

[This is the first post in a series about Engineering Practices — why they matter and how teachers can bring them into the classroom. Stay tuned for the series!]

“Ohh… oh. Oh no.”

”What is it?” the teacher asks. The students peer closely at their design. No water is making it through the membrane models they constructed.

”We definitely have to improve it.”

When the students in this clip test their ideas and revise their plans, they’re doing more than completing an activity. They’re engaging in authentic Engineering Practices.

YES products have consistently served as a mechanism for introducing youth to engineering careers. Early exposure to STEM-related careers is important in building awareness and sense of belonging in fields where many students may not initially see themselves.