"Technology as a Tool"

This is a big theme for my classes; the idea that you can use an implement (hardware, software, system, etc.) to leverage your time and effort to accomplish more than you could previously.

I was impressed that Alex had repurposed his cast into a tape smoothing tool. That's creative problem solving.

Jason was quick to come up with his own expedient solution :)
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Canoes Are Getting Built!

Who will win our competition next week?:

$150 of Duct Tape

This was a killer price for this much Duct Tape (about half of what it would be anywhere else):

(A very helpful Costcoer that saved the day for the 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge)

I had been to the Costco on Morena with no luck on finding tape. I followed up at the Business Costco in Kearny Mesa to find this good price. It's important to me to be a good steward of our Engineering Lab Donation fund.

I nearly missed the tape in the Kearny Mesa store and have a good story regarding the importance of communication and an outgoing demeanor for anyone that's interested in hearing it.

? - Why is Duct Tape called "Duct Tape"? What is the purpose for which the tape is named?

2nd Period Boat Builders!

Design/Build

Jason and Joe make progress on their cardboard canoe build:


Meanwhile, Putnam and John make progress on testing a prototype:




? - Even though this team is already under way with the construction of their boat, how might the prototype support the construction of their project?
? - How effective does their model appear to be? What useful information might the team discover with their test?

Proper Cutting Technique

If you're using a box cutter, please make sure to cut on the floor, with a piece of cardboard beneath the piece you're cutting. This will prevent us from damaging our workplace!

Trent demonstrating proper cutting technique:



This is what can happen without enough cardboard underneath as a cutting surface:



We absolutely need to protect our awesome new desks!!! Please cut on the floor to prevent mishaps like this...

Cardboard Canoe Challenge: Design Phase

This is the work we will complete for block day on Oct 4th/5th.

Sketches
• Sketch 3 solutions for your cardboard canoe design.
• Label at least 3 features on each of your sketches. Be sure to describe significance of labeled features.
• Post your sketches to your blog.

Physical Prototype
• Prototype each of your solutions using either printer paper or manila file folders and tape.
• Photograph your prototypes. Call out a key feature on each physical prototpye with a notecard or post it note.
• Post your photographs to your blog and describe any key features identified.

Design Selection
• Generate Feedback (at least one each +, change, ?, !) for each of your designs.
• Use a decision matrix to compare your 3 design approaches (we'll talk about decision matrices in class)
• Select a design approach to build. Justify your selection (reference decision matrix, feedback and any other relevant considerations).

The 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the 2nd 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 two 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.



Build Achievements:
• Build It! - Build your watercraft. 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!)