Oh, hi! I'm so glad you're here.

See, Squeaks has a problem...  

[Squeaks squeaks]

...he doesn't know how he  wants to spend the afternoon!

I, I mean, there are so many great choices!  

He could play outside... or  have a yummy and healthy snack…

or draw… or read a book. He just can't decide!  

[Squeaks squeaks]

And, well, he needs some help choosing.

Because he really wants to get out  there and enjoy his afternoon!  

[Squeaks squeaks]

I agree, Squeaks. This is a problem.

But no worries, I know how  to think like an engineer!

[Squeaks squeaks]

Ah, yes… the people who drive  trains are called engineers.

But there are other kinds of engineers, too!

These kinds of engineers identify problems…

and then figure out ways to solve them!

[Squeaks squeaks]

What kind of problems?

Well… Almost any kind!

The sky's the limit!

Actually, for some engineers,  

the sky is a good place to start!

What kind of problems could we solve that

have to do with flying in the sky, or in space?

[Squeaks squeaks]

Maybe we could try to make  airplanes that are safer for people,

or rockets that go faster!

Engineers called aerospace engineers tackle  problems that have to do with flight.

Like how to make planes fly more quietly.

And every person who has been to outer space

has had help from an aerospace engineer!  

[Squeaks squeaks]

I agree, that sounds like a fun job!

Other engineers work to solve  problems here on the ground.

Remember that really cool bridge we  saw when we went to see the redwoods?

That was thanks to the work of civil engineers.  

These engineers solve problems  like how to get across a river,

or through a tall mountain.

That means they design tunnels, bridges,

and buildings of all kinds,  including super tall skyscrapers.

[Squeaks squeaks]

Another example? Sure!

How do you think this video  gets to the people at home?

It's possible because of people that  solve computer-related problems.

Computer and software engineers write programs,

which are directions computers follow  as they do things, like play videos.

Those are the engineers who made it possible

for Squeaks and I to be able to  talk to you through the internet.

And these are only a few things that engineers do!

Environmental engineers solve  problems related to the environment,

like how to have cleaner water and air.

Electrical engineers make sure we have  electricity to keep the lights on in

our houses and cities, and design parts that make

our cool electrical toys and gadgets run.

I could really go on and on…!

But I won't, because I think it's time to solve

your problem about what to do this afternoon!

Do you want to try thinking like an engineer?  

[Squeaks squeaks]

Great! Let's get to it!

Now, engineers don't just guess  at the answers to problems.

They approach them with a sort of plan:  a couple of basic steps to guide them.

The first is to define the problem.

When we define a problem, we do more than  

just say something's not going right.

We need to say exactly what it is that we want to solve.

Squeaks doesn't know how to choose an activity this afternoon.

Right, Squeaks?

The next step is to come up with ways  to solve the problem, or... solutions.

Because there's usually more  than one solution to a problem,

engineers try to come up  with many different ideas.

Squeaks and I are each going to  come up with a different solution

and compare our ideas to see if one  might work better than the other.

I'm going to draw my solution on a piece of paper

to make it easier to share my idea with Squeaks.  

Okay, here's my idea.

We could have a different color  bead stand for each choice…

then put them into a cup,  close our eyes, and pick one!  

What's your solution?  

[Squeaks squeaks]

I like that one!

Squeaks says that we could make a  spinner like the ones used in some games.

This is a great solution.

It will solve the problem…  and we have all of the things

we need to make one here in the Fort!

Let's start by planning our solution.

We'll draw a circle on a piece of  paper… use scissors to cut it out…

and divide it into four equal parts.

We'll write one activity choice in each part.

Finally, we'll attach a paper clip to the center using a paper fastener… and spin away!

Our spinner is done!

Our choices are: play outside...  have a snack… draw… or read a book.

Let's give it a spin!

Look, our spinner landed on have a snack!

Now you have a plan for the afternoon, Squeaks!

Uh-oh, it looks like it's time for us  to meet Jessi to do some birdwatching.

We spent the entire afternoon  learning about engineering

instead of any of your original choices!

But that's okay… we had a lot of fun doing it.

[Squeaks squeaks]

I think we should show Jessi our spinner!

Thanks for joining us here at the Fort.

If you want to keep learning  and having fun with Squeaks, me,

and all our other friends, be  sure to hit the subscribe button,

and we'll see you next time on SciShow Kids!

[♪ OUTRO]