Marble Challenge

 

 

1. Our group (Michael C, Tommy H, Kyle F, Michael M, and myself) were not able to complete the actual challenge, but were able to construct our device that would have been used to propel our marble

 

2. We constructed a slide for our marble (shown below) that guided the marble as it accelerated downwards. The guide was built of straws wrapped in tape, connected by toothpicks. The cup at the top helped guide the marble. The device did help guide the marble as it accelerated, but in our first and only test, failed to guide it directly into the cup that the marble was supposed to ultimately end up within.

 

 



 

Cardboard Canoe Challenge Post

#1: For the Cardboard Canoe challenge, I am claiming these eight achievements:

Design:
  - Sketch It!
  - Select an approach

Build:
  - Build It!

Team:
  - The Longest
  - Balance Master
  - Videographer

Reflection:
 - (make your own) Clean It! (helped clean up classroom after race)
 - Redesign

#2: Experience Summary
     The Cardboard Canoe Challenge was an incredible experience! The design process forced the team to learn compromise and acceptance of ideas. The build process was immersive and exciting, as our team had to work together to complete the simplest of tasks, such as taping and cutting. The construction of the boat itself was a gratifying experience, as being able to see our finished product gave all of us a sense of pride. The Competition was exciting and fast-paced, requiring communication and team work to do well. The competition, as a whole, was an exciting, instructive experience that helped reinforce skills in teamwork and structural design.

#3: Achievement evidence:
  - Sketch it!

   
  - Select an approach
    Sketch A:
           - Pros:
                  -  Non-flat hull
                  - angled bow
           - Cons:
                  - Harder Build
     Sketch B:
           - Pros:  
                  - Pontoons for extra support
                  - non-flat hull
           - Cons:
                  -Less sturdy
                  - Harder/more complex build
     Sketch C:
           - Pros:
                  - Simpler Build
                  - Angled front
            - Cons:
                  - Flat hull
    Chosen: Design C

  - Build it!

   - The Longest:
        Our team's boat was the last one in the pool, and was still structurally sound at the end of the   event.
 
   - Balance Master:
        Team member Kyle was able to stand up in the boat for an excess of five seconds

   - Videographer:
        the link below is for the video documentation of the first race.
 https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6MUuZdlY4VVc1dZbFRoSWZ6QzQ/edit?usp=drive_web

    -  Clean It!
       Our team helped organize the leftover cardboard after the competition, as well as remove the junk cardboard pieces.

    - Redesign
       If I was to build another cardboard canoe next semester, I would general retain the same design due to its resounding success, but I would extend the front bow and weight the front, so as to prevent the tipping backwards that was evident during the competition. I would also reinforce the back panel to allow the driver to sit back and put their weight on it.