Monday, January 9, 2012

The Car of the Future

So what is the car of the future? In other words, what appears to be the most promising technology explored by Click and Clack? Justify your response.
The car of the future is a car that has light weight and is runned by hydrogen fuel as well as being efficient, but we haven't really moved on from using coal as fuel and until we do that we will be able to move on to hydrogen fuel and other great advancements.

What fields of study/work would support the development of the car of the future. Describe two different ones.
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemistry 

Friday, January 6, 2012

Cardboard Canoe Challenge: Design Phase

10 Achievements
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 disintegration 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.


Achievements


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 constraints.
• 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 note card 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
WP_000280


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)
• Video grapher - Take video of the challenge and post to your blog.
The Fastest-
The Farthest-
The Longest-
Balance Master-
Video grapher-

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.
3 Key feature:
1st Feature:

2nd Feature:

3rd Feature: It is stable to float, it's buoyant and is capable of sustaining weight.


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 prototype with a note card or post it note.
• Post your photographs to your blog and describe any key features identified.

Prototype #1: Key Feature: It has a stable base which allows the boat to be stable and it can probably fit about four to five people.
Prototype #2: Key Feature:  Buoyant and its narrow to cut through water and go farther

Prototype #3: Key Feature: It has a stable base which makes the prototype buoyant.