What a week, it saw our future scientists/engineers given 3 challenges, On Target and Boat Challenges 4 & 5.
On Target saw the teams given the task of remotely delivering a payload to a target. For this challenge each team was provided with 3 m of fishing line, a plastic cup, 2 pieces of cardboard (150 mm x 95 mm), sticky tape, scissors and a marble as the payload. Build/design time was 30 minutes with a 5 minute post build time for finishing touches. Each team was then given 2 minutes attachment time and given 2 runs to determine success of their design.
For success the:
The delivery vehicle must travel down a 2 m zip line and the payload must be deployed before the delivery vehicle hits the end of the zip line. Payload must land in the target area which was a 300 mm x 300 mm zone with an ideal landing zone within the overall target area.
The challenge was a slightly modified one first designed by NASA as part of their engineering challenge and it represents the problems involved with delivering a scientific probe onto a planet.
It was extremely pleasing to see all teams rise to the task and build a variety delivery vehicles, each one had strengths and weakness which would be revealed during their runs.
Team Mike1, Alpha1, Romeo (M1A1R) was launched first:
The boys first run saw a successful deployment of the payload and it over-shot the target area by 20 mm. The second run again experienced successful deployment and the payload over-shot the inner target area but bounced through the trailing edge of the main target area. The mother-ship on both runs went into successful orbit (did not hit the end) to deliver its payload.
Team November, Charlie1, Lima1 (NC11L) launched next:
The first deployment saw the payload deploy up and then straight down clipping the mother-ship as the probe clipped the leading edge of the main target area. The second run saw the payload fail to deploy and remained in the mother-ship. Neither run saw the mother-ship hit the end of the zip-line.
Team Charlie2, Alpha2, Tango, Mike2 (C2A2TM2) was next down the line:
The girls first run saw their probe over-shoot the target area though it did clip the tailing edge of the main target zone. The second run saw the probe successfully deployed though this time it hit the leading edge and went off to the left of the primary target area. The mother-ship on both runs achieved successful orbit (did not hit the end).
Team Delta, Bravo, Mike3, Lima2 (DBM2L2) was the final mission launched:
The first run saw the mother-ship achieve a parking orbit and then subsequent delivery of the probe, the landing of the probe under-shot the target area, however it did bounce onto and off the zone. The second run saw another successful parking orbit, however a fault in the probe release mechanism saw it fail to open and deploy.
The results for On Target:
Tied 1st - M1A1R & C2A2TM2
Tied 2nd - DBM2L2 & NC1L1
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Boat Challenge Part 3
The third instalment of the Boat Challenge went ahead on Friday 15th March with reduced building components and build time. This time each team had 7 straws, 10 cm cling-wrap, 5 cm of duct tape and build time of 20 minutes.
To be successful the boat had to hold the most mass, in the form of the most copper discs, and not take on water excessively or begin to capsize.
This time around saw each team have a definite plan and they stuck to it during the build, with only minor modifications during building. Compared to previous attempts this was a marked improvement on their time management and design process.
Results:
The launching of SS Outrigger under the guidance of Captain Nat, 1st Officer Chris and & 2nd Officer Lucas saw a novel design of a deep seated keel but little stabilisation. The vessel held with the addition of 5 discs but the 6th proved her underdoing and due to the lack of outrigger hulls she slid under the waves. (Total 5 discs)
The next vessel to taste the water was SS Tailrider commanded by Captain Alex, 1st Officer Marty and Chief Engineer Russ. She started out well handling 11 discs but she started to take on water and by disc 15 she was turning turtle and on her way to the bottom. (Total 14 discs)
SS Raftqueen was launched to much fanfare and jumping up and down by her excited crew of Captain Tayla, 1st Mate Maddi, 2nd Mate Alice and Chief Engineer Catherine. She took to the waves like a thoroughbred and easily handled 26 discs before she slowly slipped under the waves and watched her cargo go to the bottom. (Total 25 discs)
The final vessel, SS OMG under the guidance of Captain Danni, 1st Mate Maddie, 2nd Officer Lauren and 3rd Mate Brie looked imposing and she quickly took on 30 discs before starting to fail. This meant she won the challenge however, due to a time limitation infraction the crew were docked half their load. (Total 15+ discs).
Standings after 4 challenges:
1st Alice, Catherine, Maddi & Tayla
2nd Danni, Brie, Lauren & Maddie // Alex, Marty & Russ
3rd Chris, Lucas & Nat
The next challenge is going to be interesting, On Target will push their design abilities to the next level.
To be successful the boat had to hold the most mass, in the form of the most copper discs, and not take on water excessively or begin to capsize.
This time around saw each team have a definite plan and they stuck to it during the build, with only minor modifications during building. Compared to previous attempts this was a marked improvement on their time management and design process.
Results:
The launching of SS Outrigger under the guidance of Captain Nat, 1st Officer Chris and & 2nd Officer Lucas saw a novel design of a deep seated keel but little stabilisation. The vessel held with the addition of 5 discs but the 6th proved her underdoing and due to the lack of outrigger hulls she slid under the waves. (Total 5 discs)
The next vessel to taste the water was SS Tailrider commanded by Captain Alex, 1st Officer Marty and Chief Engineer Russ. She started out well handling 11 discs but she started to take on water and by disc 15 she was turning turtle and on her way to the bottom. (Total 14 discs)
SS Raftqueen was launched to much fanfare and jumping up and down by her excited crew of Captain Tayla, 1st Mate Maddi, 2nd Mate Alice and Chief Engineer Catherine. She took to the waves like a thoroughbred and easily handled 26 discs before she slowly slipped under the waves and watched her cargo go to the bottom. (Total 25 discs)
The final vessel, SS OMG under the guidance of Captain Danni, 1st Mate Maddie, 2nd Officer Lauren and 3rd Mate Brie looked imposing and she quickly took on 30 discs before starting to fail. This meant she won the challenge however, due to a time limitation infraction the crew were docked half their load. (Total 15+ discs).
Standings after 4 challenges:
1st Alice, Catherine, Maddi & Tayla
2nd Danni, Brie, Lauren & Maddie // Alex, Marty & Russ
3rd Chris, Lucas & Nat
The next challenge is going to be interesting, On Target will push their design abilities to the next level.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Boat Challenge Part 2
Wednesday's lesson saw the teams faced with the second of three boat challenges. This time they had less time (25 minutes instead of 50), 8 straws instead of 10, 10 cm of duct tape and no cup.
The 4 teams rose to the challenge and we had four boats built, the secrecy each team tried to enforce with their designs was like trying to break into Fort Knox.
The viking longship under the orders of Russell, Alex & Marty (winners of Boat Challenge 1) was launched to much fanfare and held 14 copper disks for 26 seconds before the waves claimed their prize.
The next vessel was the broad raft of Alice, Tayla, Catherine & Madi J, the vessel handled 14 disks for 26 seconds, however it slid beneath the waves up the addition of the 15 disk.
The racing barge of Chris, Lucas and Nat took to the water like the pedigree she looked and after amassing 16 disks for 28 seconds she sucumbed to the waves and sank.
The cargo super barge of Danni, Bre, Madi M & Lauren was the final vessel to be launched and her design allowed her to carry all 28 copper disks and remained afloat. Clearly the winning design of this stage of the challenge.
Stay tuned for the final installment of the Boat Challenge, it will be interesting to see the teams stepping up another gear.
The previous challenges have seen the students rise to each one with more confidence and awareness of the design process. For the next series of challenges it will be even more important they remember the initial steps in the design process.
The 4 teams rose to the challenge and we had four boats built, the secrecy each team tried to enforce with their designs was like trying to break into Fort Knox.
The viking longship under the orders of Russell, Alex & Marty (winners of Boat Challenge 1) was launched to much fanfare and held 14 copper disks for 26 seconds before the waves claimed their prize.
The next vessel was the broad raft of Alice, Tayla, Catherine & Madi J, the vessel handled 14 disks for 26 seconds, however it slid beneath the waves up the addition of the 15 disk.
The racing barge of Chris, Lucas and Nat took to the water like the pedigree she looked and after amassing 16 disks for 28 seconds she sucumbed to the waves and sank.
The cargo super barge of Danni, Bre, Madi M & Lauren was the final vessel to be launched and her design allowed her to carry all 28 copper disks and remained afloat. Clearly the winning design of this stage of the challenge.
Stay tuned for the final installment of the Boat Challenge, it will be interesting to see the teams stepping up another gear.
The previous challenges have seen the students rise to each one with more confidence and awareness of the design process. For the next series of challenges it will be even more important they remember the initial steps in the design process.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Boat Challenge Results
The boat challenge results are in:
The pirate captains Alex, Marty and /Russ' ship sailed off into the sunset with its pirate flag hoisted high upon the gaff.
The merchant barge sailors (Danni, Madi M, Bre & Lauren) were hot on the heels of the pirate ship when they realised it was a pirate vessel and promptly scuttled themselves (their cargo shift due to the sudden turn).
The chasing naval vessel crewed by Catherine, Tayla, Kelly and Madi J managed an initial turn of speed but when the pressure increased the stress was too much and their vessel capsized.
The other naval chase vessel crewed by Lucas, Chris and Nat began taking water the moment she touched water and immediately capsized.
The overall designs showed some excellent ideas and the response from the students was excellent in that they all rose to the challenge and exceeded their own expectations.
The next challenge is now in the pipeline.
The pirate captains Alex, Marty and /Russ' ship sailed off into the sunset with its pirate flag hoisted high upon the gaff.
The merchant barge sailors (Danni, Madi M, Bre & Lauren) were hot on the heels of the pirate ship when they realised it was a pirate vessel and promptly scuttled themselves (their cargo shift due to the sudden turn).
The chasing naval vessel crewed by Catherine, Tayla, Kelly and Madi J managed an initial turn of speed but when the pressure increased the stress was too much and their vessel capsized.
The other naval chase vessel crewed by Lucas, Chris and Nat began taking water the moment she touched water and immediately capsized.
The overall designs showed some excellent ideas and the response from the students was excellent in that they all rose to the challenge and exceeded their own expectations.
The next challenge is now in the pipeline.
Table Challenge update
The results from the table challenge are as follows:
Catherine, Madi J, Tayla & Kelly = the triangle table held the load of the table top but failed under load with the book/laptop.
Russ, Alex & Chris = pedestal design held the load of the table top but failed under load of the book.
Madi M, Bre, Danni & Lauren = failed under the load of the table top
Nat, Marty & Lucas = failed under the load of the table top
The 2 designs that supported the table top load were better thought out with regards the initial load requirement of the table top with some sound design principles used. However further design and communication with prelimnary sketches would have been extremely useful.
This challenge will be repeated at a later stage with some modifications of materials :)
Catherine, Madi J, Tayla & Kelly = the triangle table held the load of the table top but failed under load with the book/laptop.
Russ, Alex & Chris = pedestal design held the load of the table top but failed under load of the book.
Madi M, Bre, Danni & Lauren = failed under the load of the table top
Nat, Marty & Lucas = failed under the load of the table top
The 2 designs that supported the table top load were better thought out with regards the initial load requirement of the table top with some sound design principles used. However further design and communication with prelimnary sketches would have been extremely useful.
This challenge will be repeated at a later stage with some modifications of materials :)
Challenge 2 Watercraft Design Part 1
Making a boat out of straws (10), 20 cm piece of duct tape, 20 cm length of cling-wrap and a plastic cup.
The time limit is 50 minutes design and construction.
The 'boat' must support the mass of 30 copper discs for 10 seconds.
The designs were innovative and process went smoother than the bridge challenge. From the teaching perspective it was a delight to see the communication and brainstorming step up a gear as they all rose to the challenge of building their boat.
The winning design will be mentioned my next post.
Making a boat out of straws (10), 20 cm piece of duct tape, 20 cm length of cling-wrap and a plastic cup.
The time limit is 50 minutes design and construction.
The 'boat' must support the mass of 30 copper discs for 10 seconds.
The designs were innovative and process went smoother than the bridge challenge. From the teaching perspective it was a delight to see the communication and brainstorming step up a gear as they all rose to the challenge of building their boat.
The winning design will be mentioned my next post.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Paper Table (Part 1)
The Challenge:
You have 8 pieces of newspaper, a roll of sticky tape and your brain. The goal is to make table supports that must be at least 15cm high and able to support a MDF table top plus a textbook.
First comment about the challenge was "you can't make a table out of paper", in which the reply was 'Yes we can and hence the nature of this challenge is to do so".
Just to prove that some other things have been built out of newspaper the students were asked to match the year with an object or structure made out of paper. One of the building, a house, was originally built in 1922 out of 1" newspaper bricks and is still standing today, the one that really got them and myself was the 2007 paper battery that can power a light bulb!!
From the teaching perspective it was an interesting lesson today in that they forgot to adhere to the Design Process that we have been discussing and using for the last 2 weeks.
After observing the attempts to roll the newspaper sheets into tight cylinders I called a brief halt to remind them that they were operating in groups of 3 or 4 and that they required a plan - i.e. go back to the Design Process and determine the best course of action. The next 15 - 20 minutes were much more productive and we now have some very rough outlines of the structure to be built and an average of 3 newspaper tubes per group, and no Russ & Alex you cannot be 'just boys' and have a sword fight.
The home task is now to reflect on what worked, what didn't and to link the design process with the task more closely and to have a definite structural design and plan. Bring on the next lesson as the challenge is still on ..... I wonder if they feel up to building a bridge out of paper?
You have 8 pieces of newspaper, a roll of sticky tape and your brain. The goal is to make table supports that must be at least 15cm high and able to support a MDF table top plus a textbook.
First comment about the challenge was "you can't make a table out of paper", in which the reply was 'Yes we can and hence the nature of this challenge is to do so".
Just to prove that some other things have been built out of newspaper the students were asked to match the year with an object or structure made out of paper. One of the building, a house, was originally built in 1922 out of 1" newspaper bricks and is still standing today, the one that really got them and myself was the 2007 paper battery that can power a light bulb!!
From the teaching perspective it was an interesting lesson today in that they forgot to adhere to the Design Process that we have been discussing and using for the last 2 weeks.
After observing the attempts to roll the newspaper sheets into tight cylinders I called a brief halt to remind them that they were operating in groups of 3 or 4 and that they required a plan - i.e. go back to the Design Process and determine the best course of action. The next 15 - 20 minutes were much more productive and we now have some very rough outlines of the structure to be built and an average of 3 newspaper tubes per group, and no Russ & Alex you cannot be 'just boys' and have a sword fight.
The home task is now to reflect on what worked, what didn't and to link the design process with the task more closely and to have a definite structural design and plan. Bring on the next lesson as the challenge is still on ..... I wonder if they feel up to building a bridge out of paper?
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