Novel Engineering

Novel Engineering is a learning approach where students use stories as a starting point for problem-solving. While reading, they identify challenges faced by characters and then design real-world engineering solutions to help them. Developed at Tufts University, the approach was created to help students see engineering as part of everyday life rather than something technical and separate. It naturally brings together all areas of STEAM, letting students practice communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in a meaningful way.

The process follows six steps: selecting a story, reading it to identify a problem, designing a solution, building and testing a prototype, gathering feedback to iterate, and finally sharing and reflecting on the work. This cycle emphasizes that failure is a normal part of engineering and that testing and improving never really stops.