Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My science project is to make an animated birthday card by using a programming language called scratch. This project involves an engineering design process which I am unfamiliar with since this is my first time to use such method. I’ve read the engineering process, and it starts with defining a need/problem. I came up with a statement for defining a need: Traditional birthday cards are costly, inconvenient, and have a negative impact on the environment. Making an interactive birthday card using a simple programming language is a great way to send to friends and loved ones on their birthdays because they are fun, exciting, inexpensive, easy to send, and environmentally friendly. Is this a good definition of a need or problem? Thanks!



Moderator note: I am cross-posting this to the Grades 6-8 Physical Science so experts in both forums can offer their expertise in the engineering design process and use of scratch.

And, FYI, here's a Science Buddies project that uses scratch:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... me-to-life

You did a great job defining the problem/need for your engineering design project!

It's good that you already reviewed the engineering design process guide, too (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... cess-steps). It shows in how you have thoughtfully constructed your statement of need for your project.

If you didn't already watch the Eggstronaut Mission video, it's a really good walkthrough of how to think about an engineering process: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/video?id=767

Have fun with your Scratch project!

Amy
Science Buddies

Hello Amy,

Thanks for the reply! I am making my background research. I already discussed the disadvantages of a traditional card, what 'Scratch' is, and how it works. What else do I need to discuss? Here's my final definition: I need a better way to send out Christmas cards to friends and loved ones this holiday season, because traditional cards are costly, inconvenient, and bad for the environment. Thank you, and hope to hear from you soon!