Activity 1.1 Instant Challenge: Cable Car Introduction are many ways to solve a problem. Sometimes it is as simple as applying a piece of duct tape. Other times it takes months or years for a product to progress from an idea into full-scale production. Often engineers and designers use a specific set of steps (sometimes called a design process) to find the best solution to a problem. In this activity your team will quickly design the solution to a problem using a design process that progresses from brainstorming to presenting a final design. Equipment Paper Pencil Materials 1 sheet of cardstock 2 paper clips 2 rubber bands 1 straw 2 spools 6 inches of orange tubing 1 balloon: choice of either long and skinny (balloon animal) or round 9” diameter (or similar) balloon 12 inches of string 6 inches of masking tape Small figure (such as a Lego man or similar) or other small object to transport Scissors (tool only cannot be consumed in design) – Procedure In a team of three or four, using only the materials provided, design and build a device or vehicle to move a small figure (or other object) as far as possible across the room on the fishing line cable. A team member may initiate the motion of the vehicle or device but may not provide forward momentum. Brainstorm (10 minutes). Assign a recorder for your group. As a team, brainstorm as many ideas for your device/vehicle as possible as the recorder documents your ideas. You may handle and inspect the materials, but you may not alter or connect any of the materials in any way during this phase. Select one of your sketched ideas to pursue. (15 minutes). Build your device. Make changes to your original ideas as necessary. Test (5 minute). Each team will have one minute to test their device on the fishing line cable.
Activity 1.1 Instant Challenge: Cable Car Introduction are many ways to solve a problem. Sometimes it is as simple as applying a piece of duct tape. Other times it takes months or years for a product to progress from an idea into full-scale production. Often engineers and designers use a specific set of steps (sometimes called a design process) to find the best solution to a problem. In this activity your team will quickly design the solution to a problem using a design process that progresses from brainstorming to presenting a final design. Equipment Paper Pencil Materials 1 sheet of cardstock 2 paper clips 2 rubber bands 1 straw 2 spools 6 inches of orange tubing 1 balloon: choice of either long and skinny (balloon animal) or round 9” diameter (or similar) balloon 12 inches of string 6 inches of masking tape Small figure (such as a Lego man or similar) or other small object to transport Scissors (tool only – cannot be consumed in design) Procedure In a team of three or four, using only the materials provided, design and build a device or vehicle to move a small figure (or other object) as far as possible across the room on the fishing line cable. A team member may initiate the motion of the vehicle or device but may not provide forward momentum. Brainstorm (10 minutes). Assign a recorder for your group. As a team, brainstorm as many ideas for your device/vehicle as possible as the recorder documents your ideas. You may handle and inspect the materials, but you may not alter or connect any of the materials in any way during this phase. Select one of your sketched ideas to pursue. (15 minutes). Build your device. Make changes to your original ideas as necessary. Test (5 minute). Each team will have one minute to test their device on the fishing line cable.