Scientists and Engineers: Partners in Problem Solving

Even rubber ducks are products of engineering.

by Joan Marie Galat

When it comes to problem solving, science and engineering represent a partnership. Scientists explore and observe the world and conduct experiments to improve their understanding. Engineers look at circumstances and try to make life easier using the principles of science and math. Across the centuries, engineers have used their knowledge to create tools, machines, and structures. They've also helped create everyday objects from water-squirting rubber ducks to the screen in front of you.

When I was writing Solve This! Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You (National Geographic Kids), I came across many kinds of science and engineering partnerships. Despite having plenty of pages to work with, I couldn’t fit them all in! Here’s a few "not in the book" examples of science and engineering that led to new products.

• In 1943, an engineer was experimenting with ways to use springs to cushion the movement of instruments on ships. His prototype became the Slinky!
  
  
• Play-Doh was meant to be a wallpaper cleaning product. Things changed when kids discovered how fun it was to shape. The company removed the cleaning chemical and added scent and color. Thanks to science and engineering, we have irresistible Play-Doh. 

•  X-rays, which exist in the natural world, were discovered by a scientist experimenting with cathode rays. The detection of
  light particles passing through objects later allowed engineers to invent x-ray machines. 

You can find more examples through NBC News. 

Try partnering science and engineering yourself! Here’s a few activities to get you started.

Don't Steal My Candy!

Use Engineering to Make a Coin Sorter

Look for more connections to science and engineering in Solve This!