This week was all about getting the kids into the mindset of engineering design, and it was fascinating to see how their creativity came to life. We asked them to think about real health problems they wanted to solve and then brainstorm how technology could help tackle those issues. This was a big step because it wasn’t just about the coding or electronics anymore—it was about using what they’d learned to create something meaningful.

The first thing we did was have them research different health challenges and solutions online. They gathered data about what problems exist, what materials are typically used in solutions, and what technologies are out there. From there, we asked them to start thinking about their own proof of concept. What exactly are they going to need in terms of electronics? How would their solution improve health or make life easier for people?

We had some really great discussions about why someone would want their product and what features would make it appealing to a customer. I asked them to think about questions like, “What would make your solution stand out?” and “How does it work, from a technical standpoint?” They even started considering the practical aspects, like how to write a user manual, and what kind of documentation would be needed to explain how the device works.

By the end of the week, they had come up with some solid plans for their projects. We laid out the key features they want to implement, what kind of coding is required, and which electronics they’ll need to get their prototypes up and running. They also started thinking about the 3D modeling aspect for their designs, which ties back to what they learned with Oliver in Fusion 360.

It’s exciting to see them getting ready for the next phase, where they’ll actually start building and coding their solutions. This week was all about preparation—thinking through every detail, from the tech side to the practical applications. Watching them work through these complex ideas has been so rewarding. They’re really starting to understand not just how to build things, but how to think like engineers.

I can’t wait to see what they create as we move forward with the implementation phase. It’s been an incredible journey watching them grow, and I’m excited to see their ideas come to life