Friday, December 13, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Manila Folder Bridge Design-Build Challange!
We will conduct our Design-Build challenge in two parts. By iterating on our effort, we will have the opportunity to better reflect on our experience and improve our designs. Please note that the constraints for the activity vary for the first and second effort!
Criteria:
Build a structure that can support as much weight as possible over a 18" gap.
(Note: we will use magazines for "weights" and our "gap" will be positioned between two tables)
Constraints:Part 1
Criteria:
Build a structure that can support as much weight as possible over a 18" gap.
(Note: we will use magazines for "weights" and our "gap" will be positioned between two tables)
Constraints:Part 1
- Materials:
- 2 "letter size" Manilla folders
- 2' of masking tape (may not use any piece longer than 6")
- Weighing:
- Magazines will be used as "weights"
- Your "score" for our competition is determined by how many magazines your structure supports!
- Magazines will be added to your structure one at a time until "failure" is achieved.
- You may place magazines anywhere on your structure as long as:
- All magazines must rest between the two vertical edges of the gap your bridge is spanning (magazines must be over the "gap").
- No magazines may touch the tables (magazines may not be piled up to "self support" themselves).
- Construction Practices:
- Only one end of your design may have a "pinned" connection to the table top (ie. taped). The other end must act as if it were on a "roller" connection (ie. laying on the table top).
- Manila folders may not be layered more than 3 layers thick at any location.
- Parallel structural members may not touch directly (they can be connected via non parallel connection members (ex. a "ladder" style design))
- Part 2
- Same as above but 3 folders and 3' of tape
Monday, December 2, 2013
Puzzle Cube Design-Build Challenge!
• Given 27 wood blocks, assemble a 3x3x3 puzzle cube.
• The cube must be made of 5 puzzle pieces, no more, no less.
• Each puzzle piece may be assembled from 3 to 6 wood blocks.
• You may not repeat any of the puzzle pieces in a given cube.
• Make your cube as challenging to solve as possible! (we'll have a contest!)
Deliverables
1) Possible Puzzle Pieces
• How many individual puzzle pieces are possible for 3, 4, 5 and 6 cubes?
• Draw as many as you can with a 1:1 ratio of squares to cubes on isometric graph paper.
2) 2 or More Puzzle Cube Solutions
• Use your 27 cubes and tape to model at least two possible cube solutions.
• Solutions must adhere to our Criteria and Constraints.
• Record the puzzle pieces for each of your solutions on isometric paper.
• Use the shading techniques we've learned for isometric drawings.
• Choose a solution and specify why you selected it.
3) Build Your Cube
• Use Elmer's glue to glue up the pieces of your chosen solution.
• Color each piece of your cube a distinct color using our class crayons.
4) Step By Step Instructions
• Using isometric paper, create step by step instructions that shows how to solve your cube.
• Each step must show the assembly from the previous step and how the next piece fits in with them ("x+y=z").
• Use the shading techniques we've learned for isometric drawings.
5) CAD Modelling
• Create an assembly of each of your pieces in Inventor.
• Create an assembly of your entire cube in Inventor.
• Create Multiview drawings of each of your pieces in Inventor.
• Create an explosion of your cube assembly in an Inventor Presentation (.ipn) file.
• Animate your explosoion. Make sure you sequence the movement of your pieces so that they don't overlap each other while in motion.
• Record your animation and post the video to your blog.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Problems Are Opportunities
A good clip for any of our classes but especially noteworthy for AP CS and Engineering Projects. The core competency of big contractors are to win and maintain government contracts. Here, a small team demonstrates that with their low overhead, they can afford to take a shot at solving a national problem and come up with what sounds like a very positive result. When you're small and agile you can afford to make mistakes and quickly iterate on them (fail early, fail often). The video does show some code for a split second. What software did they seem to be using (I think you'll recognize it). Where these people "experts" on the topic or did they just dive in and solve the issues as they came up? Lots to think about how you want to approach your future careers/professions/vocations/callings...
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Duct Tape Mastery
We use a lot of duct tape in my classes (cardboard canoes anyone?)... I was impressed by Troy's artisanship with the material for his Halloween costume. Nice job. Awesome point headed your way!
4th Annual Mousetrap-Racecar Races!
We've learned about a number of simple machines in the Principles of Engineering courses. A common theme amongst these devices is the concept of using mechanical advantage to trade force for distance or distance for force. How can we use this trade off in context in the classroom?
For this challenge you and a team mate will design, build and compete with a Mousetrap racecar. Specifically, you will use a third class lever and a wheel and axle simple machine to prototype a race vehicle.
Criteria:
Design, build and compete with a Mousetrap Racecar (A "car" uses at least two axles).
Maintain a clean workspace.
Constraints:
One mousetrap
No more than 12" of masking tape
Fischertechnique robotics parts
No more than 24" of string
All materials used must travel with your vehicle
You must work through the stages of the event (see Achievements below)
Additional materials by Instructor approval
Achievements (by stage):
Post your results for the Simple Machine Challenge pt I to your blog. Tally your total number of Achievements earned and justify each within the post. Your grade is the total number of Achievements you earn curved against the number of Achievements your classmates earn.
Design Stage:
"Brainiac" - Brainstorm solutions for your design. Generate a list of at least 10 ideas/concepts.
"Visualize It!" - Create a sketch of a design and label key features.
Build Stage:
"Build It" - Build your design. Document it with a photo.
"The Price of Glory" - If each part you use costs $1, generate a total cost for your build (This info will be used to generate "cost" data to add a pricing element to the game next year).
Test (Compete) Stage:
Each car will compete in two events. Generate your design accordingly.
1) The Distance Event: Compete for the furthest distance. Teams will race one at a time and have up to 3 attempts to achieve the longest distance. We will race on the tiles of the classroom unless the class decides we need more space. Your best result will be marked with a piece of masking tape. The marked location is where the car comes to rest (cars have been known to roll back at times!).
2) The Acceleration Event: Cars will compete head to head in a competitive bracket. The winner of each duel will move on to the next round. The course is 24" long.
"Competitor" - Compete in the 2nd Annual Mousetrap Racecar Challenge.
"Long Distance Winner!" - Travel the furthest in the distance race.
"Going the Mile!" - Travel the furthest or second furthest in the distance race.
"Led Foot" - Be the team to win the acceleration bracket.
"Heavy Foot" - Be the team to win or finish second in the acceleration bracket.
"Feedback" - Collect feedback (at least one each of +, change, ? and !) from yourself or your classmates.
Iterate Stage:
"Re-work" - Change your build based on your experience with the race/feedback you collected. Document any changes.
"Game Changer" - Develop a new rule or change to the game that you feel would make the event better. Explain your concept.
"Name it" - Invent a name for an achievement that you think is better than what we have currently.
Clean Up Stage:
"Leave It Cleaner Than You Found It" - Did you leave your workspace cleaner than you found it? Explain.
Reflection Stage:
"Design/Build" - What is a "Design/Build" process? How did your experience with this challenge relate to that? Why might you experience this in a career related to technical innovation?
There may be an option to compete again (with the same or new rules) depending on the input we receive from the teams and the timeliness with which we complete the event.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Lever Magic!
We've been doing some theoretical calculations. Block day is a good chance to move away from theory and into first hand experience...
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Design-Build Challenge 02 - Marble-drop Madness!
Today's "Design-Build" challenge sees what we can do with the following equipment:
-14 straws
-10 toothpicks
-3 paper cups
-3 feet of masking tape
-1 round marble
Goal: release your marble onto a freestanding contraption of your own design located at the edge of your desk. The goal is for your "structure" to direct your marble into a cup on the floor. The winner is the team who's cup is located furthest (horizontally) from the edge of the desk.
Rules: You may only use the materials specified above. Your marble must end up in a cup positioned on the floor in order to earn a result.
Feedback: Score is determined by distance from the table. Your result will be compared against your classmates to determine ranked result (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
Points! Earn one point for each of the following:
1) Your place in the competition (1st Place = 1 pt, 2nd Place = .9 pt, 3rd Place = .8 pt, etc.)
2) Document your effort on your online portfolio. Include pictures and a bullet point summary of the goal, rules and results you achieved.
3) Clean up! Include an image of at least one of your teammates cleaning up your workspace.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday, October 4, 2013
Go Islanders!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Energy Sources!
Americans spend 500 billion dollars each year on energy. As populations and appetites increase, the world faces a challenge of significantly growing energy needs. Many unique energy sources are available. To meet future energy needs, engineers need to design technology to contribute new ways to harness energy, increase efficiency, and better transport and store energy.
Objective:
Your task as a class is to prepare a presentation on the different energy sources we use collectively as a society (9 types from the graphic above). The class must cover each of the sources listed.
Presentation Grading (5 pts)
The presentation is worth 5 points. 4 points will be earned by each team and the remaining point will be awarded collectively to the class. If you address the content and process standards below, you will earn 4 points. If the class collectively addresses the process standards the 5th point will be awarded.
Product:
- Energy Source - Overview, Steps for Harnessing Energy, Major Energy Uses
- Is the energy source classified as nonrenewable, renewable, or inexhaustible?
- What are the infrastructure requirements for utilizing this energy source?
- What emerging technologies will make this energy source safer, more usable, more efficient, cleaner, etc?
- Consideration of Efficiency/Conservation
- Costs - Setup, Consumer Costs
- Pros/Cons
- Outlook for the future
Process:
- Unified look/theme to entire presentation
- Reduced Text - Use bullets and talk to them
- High Value Images - do they tell a story?
Blog Post Grading (2pts)
Post the images of your section of the "Energy Sources!" Presentation to your Blog. Copy and paste the following questions into your post after your slides and answer them.
1. Describe one thing that surprised you about the energy source that you researched and presented.
2. Describe one thing that surprised you about an energy source that another team presented.
3. Describe and defend what you believe to be the most important technological need regarding energy.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Student Work Sample: Cardboard Canoe Challenge Portfolio Post
Caleb has a strong post for this year's cardboard canoe challenge. It's not flawless, but can serve as a good example to keep in mind as you finish/improve your own. Click here to see his post!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Scrum!
What is "Scrum"? Let's learn more about this "agile" development practice:
Here are a few scrum related links:
scrum.org
"Learn Scrum"
Here are a few scrum related links:
scrum.org
"Learn Scrum"
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
The 4th Annual Cardboard Canoe Challenge!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the 4th Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge. Do you have what it takes to design and build this year's winning watercraft?
(I lost all my photos from last year so imagine this is a cardboard canoe!)
Overview
Your class will break into teams to compete. You will design and build a solution to compete in the Challenge based on the bellow Criteria and Constraints. Safety is the number one priority in this event!
Safety
***Swimming is an “opt in” activity. No one has to swim if they don’t wish to. Swim only if you have the ability to do so. Appropriate attire is required for swimming. Adhere to the swimming facility rules. Safety is the top priority at all times.***
Criteria
Build a watercraft that allows you to traverse the CHS swimming pool.
Your "boat" must float at least one student through the course of the competition.
Protect your workspace from damage!
Constraints
You may only use Cardboard and Duct Tape for this event.
All Staples or other foreign material must be removed from your cardboard. If we trash the pool, we will not be invited back for other activities during the year (yes, we have other activities in mind for 2nd semester).
Cardboard must meet our quality standard and be approved by the instructor (more info to follow)
Each boat must have a minimum of a 3" tall "sidewall" (no completely flat designs).
All exposed cardboard must be covered in duct tape (this will reduce cardboard disintigration in the pool).
Each team will be provided one "versa table" cardboard box piece and three 60yrd rolls of duct tape. Any materials beyond this (likely need more cardboard) need to be resourced by your team.
Achievments
Create a comprehensive post on your blog that justifies the Achievements you've earned for this challenge.
Make sure you claim the total number of achievements you've earned at the top of your post!
Design Achievements:
Define the Problem and Brainstorm Solutions - State the problem you are designing a solution for. List at least 20 ideas you have regarding your solution.
Big Brain - The individual student with the most brainstorms listed will earn a bonus achievement.
Criteria & Constraints - List or reference the specified Criteria and Constraints you're designing for. List at least one implied criteria. List at least three implied contsraints.
Sketch Ideas - Draw 3 different sketches for possible designs. Label at least 3 key features for each sketch. Describe the feature's functionality so a viewer understands why the called out feature is important.
Prototype Ideas - Craft physical prototypes (models) of each of your three sketches. Use a notecard or post it note to call out at least one key feature on each model. Post the images to your blog and describe the key feature that you've pointed out on each.
Select an Approach - Generate feedback (+, change, ?, !) and make a decision matrix regarding your sketches/prototypes. Specify the approach you've chosen and justify your selection.
Surface area! - Calculate how much surface area you can cover with your given duct tape. How many sf can you cover with one roll? How many can you cover with all your rolls? What % efficiency do you think you can achieve with your overlap?
Build Achievements:
Build It! - Build your watercraft. Your build must meet the standards of construction (100% covered in Duct Tape). Document it with a presentable photo.
The Early Bird Gets the Achievement - Awarded to the team with the fastest build.
V-Bottom - Earn this by building a non-flat bottom
Test Achievements:
The Fastest - Awarded to the first team to reach the far side (25yds)
The Farthest - Awarded to the team that can travel the furthest (laps)
The Longest - Awarded to the team with the watercraft that floats the longest (multiple teams may be awarded this achievement if multiple boats remain afloat at the end of our competition period).
Balance Master - Awarded if you can have at least one person stand for 5 seconds in the boat (you must conduct this away from the edge of the pool so that non one falls over and hits their head)
Videographer - Take video of the challenge and post to your blog.
Reflection Achievements:
Feedback - Generate ten items of feedback for your effort (from the design/build process and/or the actual product). Make sure you include at least one item of feedaback in each of our four feedback areas (+, change, ?, !)
How Low Did You Go? - How low in the water did your canoe sit (roughly)? Was it suprising how little your boat went down in the water? What is the unit weight of water in pounds? How much did your pilot weigh (roughly)? Use math to help explain the depth that your boat sat in the water.
Redesign - If we were to do another Carboard Canoe race next semester, what would you build? Draw from everything you experienced in your class and propose the most competative solution. Include a sketch with key features and dimensions labeled.
(Make Your Own Achievement) - Make an achievement of your own design that you can award yourself for something awesome your team did. (Example "Transformer" - although our canoe sunk, our team was able to convert it into a surfboard style design and continue competeting!)
Welcome to the 4th Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge. Do you have what it takes to design and build this year's winning watercraft?
(I lost all my photos from last year so imagine this is a cardboard canoe!)
Overview
Your class will break into teams to compete. You will design and build a solution to compete in the Challenge based on the bellow Criteria and Constraints. Safety is the number one priority in this event!
Safety
***Swimming is an “opt in” activity. No one has to swim if they don’t wish to. Swim only if you have the ability to do so. Appropriate attire is required for swimming. Adhere to the swimming facility rules. Safety is the top priority at all times.***
Criteria
Build a watercraft that allows you to traverse the CHS swimming pool.
Your "boat" must float at least one student through the course of the competition.
Protect your workspace from damage!
Constraints
You may only use Cardboard and Duct Tape for this event.
All Staples or other foreign material must be removed from your cardboard. If we trash the pool, we will not be invited back for other activities during the year (yes, we have other activities in mind for 2nd semester).
Cardboard must meet our quality standard and be approved by the instructor (more info to follow)
Each boat must have a minimum of a 3" tall "sidewall" (no completely flat designs).
All exposed cardboard must be covered in duct tape (this will reduce cardboard disintigration in the pool).
Each team will be provided one "versa table" cardboard box piece and three 60yrd rolls of duct tape. Any materials beyond this (likely need more cardboard) need to be resourced by your team.
Achievments
Create a comprehensive post on your blog that justifies the Achievements you've earned for this challenge.
Make sure you claim the total number of achievements you've earned at the top of your post!
Design Achievements:
Define the Problem and Brainstorm Solutions - State the problem you are designing a solution for. List at least 20 ideas you have regarding your solution.
Big Brain - The individual student with the most brainstorms listed will earn a bonus achievement.
Criteria & Constraints - List or reference the specified Criteria and Constraints you're designing for. List at least one implied criteria. List at least three implied contsraints.
Sketch Ideas - Draw 3 different sketches for possible designs. Label at least 3 key features for each sketch. Describe the feature's functionality so a viewer understands why the called out feature is important.
Prototype Ideas - Craft physical prototypes (models) of each of your three sketches. Use a notecard or post it note to call out at least one key feature on each model. Post the images to your blog and describe the key feature that you've pointed out on each.
Select an Approach - Generate feedback (+, change, ?, !) and make a decision matrix regarding your sketches/prototypes. Specify the approach you've chosen and justify your selection.
Surface area! - Calculate how much surface area you can cover with your given duct tape. How many sf can you cover with one roll? How many can you cover with all your rolls? What % efficiency do you think you can achieve with your overlap?
Build Achievements:
Build It! - Build your watercraft. Your build must meet the standards of construction (100% covered in Duct Tape). Document it with a presentable photo.
The Early Bird Gets the Achievement - Awarded to the team with the fastest build.
V-Bottom - Earn this by building a non-flat bottom
Test Achievements:
The Fastest - Awarded to the first team to reach the far side (25yds)
The Farthest - Awarded to the team that can travel the furthest (laps)
The Longest - Awarded to the team with the watercraft that floats the longest (multiple teams may be awarded this achievement if multiple boats remain afloat at the end of our competition period).
Balance Master - Awarded if you can have at least one person stand for 5 seconds in the boat (you must conduct this away from the edge of the pool so that non one falls over and hits their head)
Videographer - Take video of the challenge and post to your blog.
Reflection Achievements:
Feedback - Generate ten items of feedback for your effort (from the design/build process and/or the actual product). Make sure you include at least one item of feedaback in each of our four feedback areas (+, change, ?, !)
How Low Did You Go? - How low in the water did your canoe sit (roughly)? Was it suprising how little your boat went down in the water? What is the unit weight of water in pounds? How much did your pilot weigh (roughly)? Use math to help explain the depth that your boat sat in the water.
Redesign - If we were to do another Carboard Canoe race next semester, what would you build? Draw from everything you experienced in your class and propose the most competative solution. Include a sketch with key features and dimensions labeled.
(Make Your Own Achievement) - Make an achievement of your own design that you can award yourself for something awesome your team did. (Example "Transformer" - although our canoe sunk, our team was able to convert it into a surfboard style design and continue competeting!)
Sunday, September 8, 2013
"For the Last 17 Years We've Been Pursuing Stuff That Other People Told Us To Do"
This piece on the NPR TED Radio Hour is at the heart of what I'm attempting to give you with the flexibility of our Engineering Projects course...
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
My First Post!
We're getting all of our 2013-2014 students set up with their blogs. These will serve as an online portfolio of your engineering experiences.
Please Complete the following to make your blog:
1) Sign in to your Google account. Create one at www.google.com if you don't already have one.
2) Create a blog through www.blogger.com
3) Name your blog. Choose any school appropriate name that you like for your online portfolio. Since this is something that we hope will serve as a reference, please choose a title/web address appropriate to include on a resume. Consider the use of words like "Engineering", "Design", "Problem Solving", your name, etc.
Assignment for your first Post:
1) Title your post "My First Blog Post!"
2) Type some text greeting people that visit your blog.
3) Insert a photo of something you're interested in (hobby, sports team, technology, etc.)
4) Include a sentance or two of text before or after the photo explaining your interest.
5) Insert a link relavent to the photo.
6) Use the spell check feature to check your spelling.
7) Make sure your post is formated in a presentable way.
8) Add a Label to the post
Monday, August 26, 2013
Dice Factory! - Robotic Assembly Line Challenge (Intro to "Agile Development")
The Engineering Projects class will construct a modular assembly line to simulate the marking and preparation for shipment of a product. This challenge is team based and each team must collaborate both amongst themselves and with the other teams in the class to achieve success. Formal and informal leadership opportunities will present themselves over the course of this experience.
Snake-eyes Dice Inc. is looking to improve their manufacturing process. Lean Six-Sigma consultants have identified their dice marking and shipment process as being a major contributor to inefficiency. Snake-eyes Dice has hired our class to design, prototype and test an assembly line based solution for them.
Challenge:
The class will simulate the marking of each side of a dice using an assembly line process. Once the dice are marked they'll be arranged for shipment in groups of 6.
Criteria:
Each section of the assembly line will perform one of the following roles and be completed by a seperate team in the class:
-Dispense simulated "dice" individually from a group for marking
-Mark the "1" side
-Mark the "2" side
-Mark the "3" side
-Mark the "4" side
-Mark the "5" side
-Mark the "6" side
-Arrange simulated dice for shipment as a group of 6
"Markings" may be approximations based on our material constraints.
All eight of the assembly line sections must function together to complete the job.
Constraints:
-All processes will be automated and controlled by software.
-Fischertechnik robotics kit parts will be used to implement the hardware solution.
-Ask Mr. Olson for approval of any marking solutions proposed.
-Programming will be done in the RoboPro visual programing environment.
-Each step of the process must occur on its own section of the assembly line (this is a team event!).
-Each "Dice" will be simulated by a 2x2x2 puzzle cube piece (1.5" x 1.5" x 1.5").
-Once the class challenge has been completed, two regular periods or one block day will be allowed to clean/organize the room and complete your portfolio entry.
Grading:
We will use an open ended achievement based grading system.
You will earn one point for every achievement you earn.
Achievements:
You must display evidence in your online portfolio of having completed the achievement in order to score them. The total number of Achievements that you earn is your score for this challenge.
Class Achievements:
"Implementation" - Implement an assembly line system that meets the criteria and constraints of the challenge.
"Fast!" - The system is able to complete a cycle of 6 dice in less than 3:00.
"Faster!!" - The system is able to complete a cycle of 6 dice in less than 2:00.
"Gosh Darn Fast!!!" - The system is able to complete a cycle of 6 dice in less than 1:00.
"The Clan with the Plan" - Develop a master schedule for completion of the project.
"Ninja Elite" - Meet the master schedule to the day.
"Good Enough for Government Business" - Meet the master schedule to the day or by +/- one day.
"No Half Stepping" - Complete the design and implementation phase of the challenge in less than three weeks.
"Don't Dilly Dally" - Complete the design and implementation phase in less than four weeks.
"Stewardship" - Return all Fischertechnik to appropriate storage upon completion of challenge. Leave the room cleaner than before the start of the game.
Team Achievements:
"Flash of Inspiration" - Brainstorm a solution for your section of the assembly line with a sketch.
"If you Build It..." - Implement a solution for your section of the assembly line.
"Proof is in the Pudding" - Implement a solution for your section of the assembly line that successfully operates with adjacent sections.
"Round and Round We Go" - Iterate on your initial implementation. Explain the challenge you discovered off the first effort and what you did to overcome it.
"Round and Round We Go... Again" - Iterate again on your implementation. Explain the next challenge you discovered with your design and what you did to solve it.
"Videography" - Capture video of the project in action.
"
"Tool Time" - Document an aspect of your solution using our Inventor CAD software. The rendering must include atleast three parts.
"Dimension It" - Label/Dimension your Inventor rendering.
"Lab Rat" - Collect data related to your implementation. Explain what you collected and how you used it.
"Show Me" - Visualize your data in a useful format. Explain your choice of presentation.
"Leave no Trace" - Return your fischertechnik to their appropriate storage locations/clean your work space.
Individual Achievements:
"Share It" - Provide feedback (Sustain, Change, Question, Idea) for another team. Who did you provide feedback to and what was it?
"Keep the Customer in Mind" - Your blog post is formated in a readable, professional manner. Writing is short and concise. Spacing is used to break up thoughts/concepts. Lists and/or bullet points are used as appropriate. No "monolithic" paragraphs.
"Nice One!" - Identify a student from outside of your team that was most helpful to your efforts. Be specific about how they were helpful.
"Helping Hand" - List a student that you helped outside of your team. How were you helpful to them?
"Meta Gamer" - Based on our grading system for this challenge, explain the benefit of earning the class achievements, even though everyone scores them when earned (use math to justify your case).
"And the Winners Are..." - Recognize class participation by selecting one person other than yourself for each of our five activity awards (Initiative, Sportsmanship, Collaboration, Humor, Service)
Level Up!!!:
Capture your experience by posting to your online portfolio. You will have two class sessions (or one block day) to complete these tasks once we've completed our class assembly line design.
Organize your post as follows:
-Title
-Image/Video of class solution.
-Breif overview of challenge.
-Image/Video of your team's solution.
-Breif overivew of how you approached the design of your system.
-Total number of achievements earned.
-Breakout of achievements earned by section (Class, Team, Individual) with appropriate proof displayed (picture/data/explanation/etc.).
Saturday, June 8, 2013
"Earn This"
I've been trying to share some thoughts with the seniors this week. Mr. Tanaka's speech brilliantly captured the spirit of what I was trying to get at... Had I known this was the talk he was giving I would have adjusted my approach as "what he said" :)
"Fail Early, Fail Often..."
Mr Mueller didn't actually use those words but that was the theme. Pretty inspired to hear his thoughts align so well with our design ethos :)
Monday, June 3, 2013
2nd and 3rd Period Final!
Greetings Engineers,
Here is a final engineering design challenge to wrap the year up with a bang!
You have the next two hours to exercise your creative and technical skills on this problem.
Challenge: Many members of the CHS Senior class will be heading off to college in the fall. Once at school, bicycles will be the primary mode of transportation for most. Student housing is often cramped. How can students store their bike inside without impacting their and their roommates living space?
Design a Bicycle storage system that allows a student to keep their bike indoors without taking up major space in their living areas.
Utilize the design process we've learned this year to generate a solution to this problem.
Post the following to your online portfolio (9 points):
-Define the Problem (1pt)
-Brainstorm Solutions (1pt)
-Define Criteria and Constraints (1pts)
-Generate Sketches (3 options with labels) (1pt)
-Select an Approach: Use a Decision Matrix to justify your approach (1pt)
-Model your solution with CAD software: Post an Isometric view of your assembly and a multiview drawing. (3pts)
-Use the 4 Quadrant Feedback technique to assess your model (1pt)
Here is a final engineering design challenge to wrap the year up with a bang!
You have the next two hours to exercise your creative and technical skills on this problem.
Challenge: Many members of the CHS Senior class will be heading off to college in the fall. Once at school, bicycles will be the primary mode of transportation for most. Student housing is often cramped. How can students store their bike inside without impacting their and their roommates living space?
Design a Bicycle storage system that allows a student to keep their bike indoors without taking up major space in their living areas.
Utilize the design process we've learned this year to generate a solution to this problem.
Post the following to your online portfolio (9 points):
-Define the Problem (1pt)
-Brainstorm Solutions (1pt)
-Define Criteria and Constraints (1pts)
-Generate Sketches (3 options with labels) (1pt)
-Select an Approach: Use a Decision Matrix to justify your approach (1pt)
-Model your solution with CAD software: Post an Isometric view of your assembly and a multiview drawing. (3pts)
-Use the 4 Quadrant Feedback technique to assess your model (1pt)
Sunday, May 26, 2013
6th Period!
6th period always marches to their own drum so we had a spontaneous choice of a different location for our class photo. Thanks for a great year!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Toy Train CAD Project
My Engineering Design classes are going deep on our CAD Train project. There are some fantastic videos available on Youtube to help you complete the work.
This one has been receiving universal praise in class as being very helpful. Click through to Youtube to find more from this user:
This one has been receiving universal praise in class as being very helpful. Click through to Youtube to find more from this user:
Saturday, May 18, 2013
AP Computer Science
In case you hadn't heard, I am teaching AP Computer Science next year. "Computer Science" is kind of a fancy name for programming. Make sure you sign up if you'd like to have some neat skills for the interactive future!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Good Luck APers!
Lots of AP tests going on. Here we have Putnam, Jason, Kacie and Conner about to head over to AP Physics :)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
"College Ready"? How about "Innovation Ready"?
Our class operates differently than many others. There is a method to our madness! If you'd like to get a third party perspective on why we do things the way we do, you can read this article here. :)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Architecture Capstone Project: Prototype - Architectural Model!
*****All Work Must Be Documented on your Online Portfolio*****
Step 1: Define the scope of your architectural model
- What does "scope" mean in the context of designing/building a project? Document the definition (1pt)
- Given your materials, ability and design, what portion of it are you going to physically model?
- Document the scope of what you plan to build (Important for your instructor score below) (1 pt)
Step 2: Construct your Architectural Model
- Safety first! Document 3 techniques from our 'How to Cut Like an Architect' video (below) in action (you could take photos of the techniques in action and describe them) (1pt)
- Choose a scale for your design. The scale should be large enough to show off your work but not too large so that you don't run out of material. Document this scale in your write up and on your architectural model its self. (1 pt)
Step 3: Feedback
- Client Feedback (3 points):
- Engage with your client (show them your model) and solicit feedback (+, delta, ?, !). Record at least 3 pieces of positive feedback (+) and 3 pieces of change feedback (delta).
- Instructor Feedback (3 points):
- Did you complete the model according to the scope of the project that was agreed upon? Does your model have a polished appearance?
- Student Feedback (? points):
- Gallery Walk!
- Students will vote via colored post it note for the best build in the following categories (leave a short comment on your note to justify your choice). You may not vote for your own:
- Pink Post-it: Creativity in Construction
- Orange Post-it: Attention to Detail (quality of fabrication: cutting, glueing, etc.)
- Yellow Post-it: Proportion (is there a scale specified and does your model maintain consistency with that scale?)
- Blue Post-it: Best in Show (your subjective choice for a favorite model)
- Document any feedback your design receives during our gallery walk.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Smaller than an Altoids Box?!
A couple of teams have come up with designs for the egg drop challenge that have earned the top size based Achievement. Nice work (that is if your egg can survive!):
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