How can students demonstrate the engineering process during a competition?

Students can effectively demonstrate the engineering process during a competition by showcasing their design changes and testing results. This approach highlights their ability to iterate on their initial concepts, making improvements based on testing outcomes. It reflects key aspects of the engineering process, such as problem identification, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining designs based on feedback and data.

This method not only illustrates the students' journey in developing their solution but also emphasizes their understanding of how each change impacts performance. Presenting this information helps judges and peers understand the rationale behind their final design, showcasing critical thinking and adaptability, which are vital components of engineering practice.

In contrast, focusing solely on the final robot design or limiting the presentation to written reports fails to convey the depth of the engineering process and the learning that occurred throughout the project. Avoiding discussions about the design process would neglect a fundamental element of engineering; understanding past challenges and modifications is crucial to demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving and innovation.