The design games helped to show me that the more ideas you have the better off you will be. Also, it is amazing how helpful it can be to know peoples' names and to make an effort to remember their names.
From the Toy Dissection, I became much more aware of the different materials that toys are made from. I now look at objects and not only see their outer appearance, but look to see how they work. I tend to forget that looks can be deceiving.
The Newspaper Construction was an interesting activity because, although we had a good idea, it took us way too long to arrive at that conclusion. Thus, we ran out of time while trying to write down the directions for the other group that was to build our structure. The team that tried to build ours had some difficulty with our directions and basically built our structure without regards to the instructions. Let’s just say it didn’t fit our design intention at all. Building the other group's structure was fairly easy, but it started to twist so we put guide wires on for support.
This project really showed me the importance of expressing your thoughts clearly on paper, especially when it comes to having someone else build something they have never seen before. Also, it showed me that I need to be more focused when I am working in a group situation and try to contribute more and keep the group moving forward.
The Egg Drop was an interesting activity since we were limited to the amount of materials we could purchase and the materials available. We tried to go with an air bag approach (similar to those found in packing), but without the proper materials ours failed miserably. Zip lock bags just don't hold air as well as those that are vacuum sealed. The zip locks leaked air.
Some of the best designs can be seen on the Egg Drop Results link to the left.
I came into this exercise part way through class. We were supposed to make a cube out of a Hammer mill cardboard box. I had never really used cardboard before so this exercise was a little bit challenging. The instructions were somewhat difficult to follow exactly since I am not the greatest with an exacto knife. This exercise was a good lead into our Garfield exercise.
Proposal to Design and Build a Robot Arm
I really liked this activity because it related more to concepts we will have to deal with in the real world. I felt that I could contribute a lot to this exercise since I have two years of background working for a manufacturing company. This project really made me think about all the various aspects and people that would need to be involved in the design process.
This in class activity was a lot of fun! We got to play with food while learning about various types of engineering related topics. These activities are similar to the ones that we had to come up with for our third project. I learned how important setup time can be! By the time we finally got all of the food projects setup and going, we barely had any time to enjoy what we made, let alone reflect on what we were suppose to learn from each activity.
Newspaper Structures - Design and Build Take 2
With the same instructions as before, we were asked to build another newspaper structure. However, Prof. Finger put new restrictions. For example, we were not allowed to have any tape on the floor this time. Thus, we could not imitate the best idea from last time.
Our design this time was much simpler. We also began drawing and writing out the instructions sooner so we wouldn't run out of time. Our instructions also included several more pictures and less written instructions. It's amazing how much better a good picture can convey an idea then words!
The only downfall of our design was that we forgot the constraint that the frame must enclose the team on all sides as well as above. We had all the sides taken care of but forgot to close the top. If we had read over the instructions more carefully, we might have caught that fact. Other than that our second design was much better!
Beef-In-A-Tent
As part of this in class exercise, we had to read over a listening and critiquing sheet. Unfortunately, it was geared more towards police officers and their families. The guys in our class just had a field day with some of the quotes. I don't think I have ever heard more people say "How come women always talk so much?" in one class period!
Even though I don't think that the listening worksheet was much of a success, it did make me stop and think about how I was reacting to the ideas of my other group members. I also can see a difference in how I approach group work and projects. I'm not as shy about getting people to start talking. I'll even become the record or writer in the group just to get people to start throwing around ideas.
Exercise 1 – Role Mole
The Role Mole exercise
showed me that there is always more than one way to solve a problem.
I had several different ideas before settling on my final model. I
thought about a bow tie with glasses in it, but didn’t have the
necessary material for it. I was thinking about something attached
to the wrist, but rejected that idea because it would have had to be big
and bulky. This exercise allowed me to be resourceful and creative.
I made a bag patterned after the “in” messenger bags like those at ebags.com.
The idea was that you could wear it like a bag but it would be out of your
way and still easily accessible. In my presentation of this idea, I
also mentioned that if role mole had a cell phone, he could have an
additional pocket added on later for that or any other small ideas he
wanted with him on his date.
Exercise 2 - Garfield
The Garfield Exercise showed me that what is being used in the market might not necessarily be the most efficient way to carry cans. Several students in my class came up with designs that were just a strip or a single piece of cardboard. I realized how important it can be to try and think outside of the box when trying to redesign some object.
Project 1 allowed me to use some creativity and engineering to design three different toys for various ages. Also, through this project I learned how to make web pages! From watching the video of my presentation, I realized that I needed to be more prepared and relaxed. I tended to play with my hands, which can be distracting. I also need to speak a little bit louder and slower. When I get nervous, I tend to talk faster.
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The Bottle Teaser is a mind teaser that I saw at the Museum Store in Tower City (Cleveland, OH) when I was home over break. This teaser makes you “think outside of the box.”
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My Mission Possible Set is based on the Science Olympiad Event that one of my friends in high school used to do. It allows a child’s imagination and creativity to come out during playtime.
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The Modified Pool is just that – a version of pool for younger players who are don’t have the coordination to play with a pool stick yet.
Project 2 – Manufactured Assembly
We are almost done with Project 2. So far I have learned how difficult it is to even get 3 people together on a Saturday afternoon to meet. I was one of three people in my class to redesign the parts in Iron Cad. I spent about 10 hours drawing and resizing the parts. Now, that those have been completed the next step is to send the part files (in the appropriate form) to the FDM machine. I have yet to present for this project, but I am doing the next presentation so I should have more about what I learned then.
Here's the update! Our group finally sent in the file to the appropriate CMU person. We ended up making our part by FDM not SDM. The handle looked really cool, but it also looked like someone had not been careful when they took it out of the machine because the part that goes into the shaft was slanted. I'm not sure how this will affect the overall setup, but we won't find out this year because no other group had their part made! This was especially disappointing for me since I spent so much time and effort redesigning some of the parts. I was really hoping to see if we had been successful in tolerancing the parts correctly. Oh well, maybe next year's class will make the parts.
From this project, I learned how quickly people can loose interest in a project and how important it can be to meet deadlines. If you don't meet the deadlines then the project may never finish.
Project 3 - Engineering Outreach Activity
We are now in the middle of Project 3. Our group is having students make their own barometer to help them understand how pressure works and affects the environment that we live in. We are trying to show them that by paying attention to the level in the barometer, they can predict the weather!
Here's the update! Well, we had several difficulties with our barometer. Overall, it was just too difficult for kids to try and use a turkey baster to suck the water into the straw. Even though food coloring is edible, we didn't really want the kids accidentally swallowing the water.
Our solution was to get some other, simpler activities that would convey the same concepts. We decided to use the barometer more as teacher demo then something the kids would do.
From the trials and student experimenters, we got a better idea of what age range would understand the concept of pressure. This helped us to gear the material to a more appropriate level. Audience is definitely a key to writing instructions.
As for working in groups, it can be challenging at times to get everyone together and in agreement on all the issues. However, it is possible. As long as everyone is treated with respect, then a group should not have any conflicts.