MAKER: Shedding light on product development in about an hour

Abstract

An active-learning experience has been designed to introduce grades 5-12 STEM students to product development. In a one-hour program, students are guided through the product development cycle as they construct a simple LED flashlight. This multidisciplinary project involves both electrical and mechanical elements plus a discussion of engineering design, manufacturing, and customer needs, which drive product development. This paper outlines the construction of the flashlight along with a method of instruction. It also includes a short discussion of assessment through student surveys.