188. Which Design Process Should You Use in STEM?
Description
Show Summary:
Natasha and Claire return to unpack an essential question for STEM educators: Should you be using the Design Process or the Engineering Design Process in your classroom? With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, they explore how each approach supports creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a seasoned STEM teacher or just getting started, you'll hear thoughtful insights on when to emphasize open-ended design thinking versus structured problem-solving. Plus, the hosts dive into the importance of developing key “making” skills—like prototyping, tool use, and collaborative iteration—to empower students as confident creators and problem solvers. Tune in for a conversation that will help you make informed decisions to best support your students' growth as future innovators.
Links from the Show:
Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes
156. Would an Engineer Solve Your Problem?
157. Training Astronauts ft. NASA's Ike Theriot
Vivify STEM Blog Posts
Scientific Method vs. Engineering Design Process: Which is used in STEM Learning?
I Didn’t Always Want to be an Engineer | Claire
Vivify STEM Lessons
Eating in Space STEM Challenge
Bridge Engineering STEM Challenge
Other STEM Resources
Food Truck Championship of Texas
The Facebook post that started this conversation!
SEEC (Space Exploration Educators Conference)
NASA | Meet the Teams Leading Moonwalking Test Mission (ft. Ike Theriot)
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