Engineering Project—Part 1

Question

This unit discussed several of the important elements of engineering. To get some practical experiences, you will need to create a simple product that you can build a model of and test. You have an opportunity here to bring other skills to the course, so if you have computer programming skills, woodworking skills, or any other abilities that would be helpful for an engineering project, this is a great opportunity to use them. If this is your first encounter with engineering, that is fine too. There are many ideas for simple engineering projects online, so some web searches will quickly reveal many options. Make sure that it is a project that requires building a model because testing it is going to part of the process. You can also ask your instructor for suggestions. You will need to consider at least three options and then narrow them down to one. Once you have your final choice, have your instructor approve it.

When deciding on your project, which can be as simple or complex as you like, make sure that you can access all of the materials required for your project. You are going to keep an engineering notebook for this project, so it should begin with you documenting ideas that you find interesting. Remember, even dead ends are important to record in your engineering notebook. Be sure to follow all of the criteria that you did in Unit 2, and look back at the notebook that you created for that assignment if you need a reference. Explore three different projects and list the advantages and disadvantages of each.

You are also going to be a team leader for this project, so you will need to enlist some help. For this early stage, a parent might be best since you will need to get some supplies, which could require a budget if everything you need is not available in your home. If there are items you need to purchase, getting parental approval is important. Even professional engineers have to get approval for their budgets, so this is always part of the job. You will also need someone to verify that you have documented the process, so having someone in your household help you from the beginning will make that much easier. When it comes time to build the model, you will need at least two other people to contribute to the discussion when you get to the testing phase, so begin to think about friends or family members that could provide valuable insight.

The first part of this assignment requires that you submit the following in pages of your engineering notebook:

Notes about three projects that you have considered, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
A description of your project and your instructor’s approval of the project.
A list of supplies that you will need to complete the project and their cost (if you will need to go out and buy them).
A paragraph describing the benefits of your project. Many engineering skills are applied to entertainment, so your project does not have to solve a global problem, but it should have some purpose, even it is to illustrate a principle.
A timeline for the project that includes the following:
Research and defining the project (Part 1 in Unit 4)
Acquiring the materials and building the project (Part 2 in Unit 5)
Determining the appropriates tests and testing the project (Part 3 in Unit 6)
Modification of the project based on test results (Part 4 in Unit 7)
As you can see, this project will be completed in stages. Detailed instructions for each stage will be provided in the appropriate unit. Every part of producing the product will need to be recorded in your engineering notebook, and you will need to turn in sections as you complete the parts. You can also take pictures to help document your progress. If scanning your pages is required, you can remove pages from the notebook.

You will also need to consider feedback from your instructor in all stages. Be sure to keep your instructor updated on your project. Remember, problems are the basis of engineering. If you run into issues that you did not anticipate, be sure to communicate them to your instructor so that you can get help as you need it. It would be unusual if everything went as planned, and you will learn a lot from your mistakes, so don’t worry when they appear.

Answer 1

Engineering Project – Part 1

Project Options

1. Miniature Catapult

Description: Building a small catapult that can launch a projectile (like a ping pong ball) a certain distance.

Advantages:

• Simple design and construction.
• Clear testing method (distance of projectile).
• Can be made from easily accessible materials (wood, rubber bands, etc.).

Disadvantages:

• Limited in complexity and potential for modification.
• Testing may only yield basic results without advanced physics principles.

2. Water Rocket

Description: Creating a simple water rocket using a plastic bottle, water, and air pressure.

Advantages:

• Fun and visually appealing with immediate results.
• Can incorporate principles of aerodynamics and pressure.
• Opportunities for teamwork and collaboration during testing.

Disadvantages:

• Requires careful calibration of water and air pressure for optimal flight.
• Potential mess with water; may need a designated outdoor testing area.

3. Simple Electric Circuit with LED

Description: Designing a basic circuit that lights up an LED when a switch is pressed.

Advantages:

• Introduces basic electronics concepts.
• Teaches valuable electronics skills and circuit design.
• Flexible—can be expanded with additional components (more LEDs, sensors, etc.).

Disadvantages:

• Requires components that may not be readily available.
• May present challenges for those unfamiliar with electronics.

Chosen Project

Project Description: I have chosen to build the water rocket due to its engaging nature and the opportunity to explore principles of physics such as force, pressure, and aerodynamics.

Instructor Approval: [Instructor’s Name and Signature]

Materials Needed

1. Plastic Bottle (1.5 L or 2 L) - $1.50
2. Water - Free (from home)
3. Air Pump with Needle Adapter - $5.00
4. Tape (duct or electrical) - $3.00
5. Cardboard (for fins/stability) - $2.00
6. Scissors - Free (from home)
7. Safety Goggles - $3.50

Total Cost: Approximately $15.00

Benefits of the Project

The water rocket project serves not only as an entertaining activity but also as an educational experience that illustrates fundamental engineering concepts such as propulsion, aerodynamics, and fluid dynamics. By experimenting with different amounts of water and air pressure, participants can learn about the scientific principles behind flight and force, making the project both fun and informative.

Project Timeline

1. Week 1: Research and define the project
   • Focus on water rocket design principles and safety measures.
2. Week 2: Acquire materials and build the project
   • Gather all supplies and construct the water rocket, ensuring design modifications for optimal performance.
3. Week 3: Determine appropriate tests and testing the project
   • Plan how to effectively measure distances and analyze flight patterns.
4. Week 4: Modify the project based on test results
   • Evaluate test outcomes and implement design changes to enhance performance.

Throughout this project, I will keep detailed records in my engineering notebook, including sketches, materials acquired, challenges faced, and reflections on each phase. I will also regularly update my instructor on my progress and seek feedback where necessary. This will not only ensure adherence to guidelines but also facilitate learning through any difficulties encountered along the way.