1
Plan, build, test, improve
Discover P2 Term 1: Axis 1, Chapter 2
GoalUse the steps engineers follow to solve a problem, such as making a long paper chain.
New words
engineer · a person who solves problems by making useful thingsdesign · an idea for how to make somethingtest · to try something to see if it worksimprove · to change something to make it better
Explanation
Engineers solve problems by making useful things. They follow steps. First they ask: what is the problem? Then they imagine many ideas. They plan by choosing one idea and drawing it. Then they build it. Next they test it to see if it works. Last they improve it by changing what did not work. Then they can test again. Mistakes help us, because they show us what to change.
Ask→Imagine→Plan→Build→Test→Improve
Worked examples
Salma wants the longest paper chain from one sheet of paper. She asks: how can I make long strips? She imagines cutting thin strips, or cutting round and round like a spiral.
She plans: she draws her strips. A grown-up helps her cut them. She builds the chain by making loops and joining them with tape. She tests it by lifting it up.
The chain breaks at a thin loop. Salma improves it: she cuts the strips a little wider and tapes each loop twice. Now the chain does not break. Improving is a good thing to do.
Class activity
Paper chain challenge. You need one sheet of paper, tape and safe scissors, with a grown-up helping. Make the longest chain you can. Test it. Count the loops. Then improve it and try again. Tell your partner what you changed.
Practice
1
Put the steps in order: Test, Ask, Build, Plan.
Ask, Plan, Build, Test.
2
In which step do we draw our idea?
In the Plan step.
3
Look at the steps. Which step is missing?
Ask→Imagine→Plan→?→Test→Improve
Build.
4
Your chain breaks when you lift it. What do you do next?
Improve it: change what broke, then test again.