These CheckPoints are to help you stay on track with your project. It is important to stay on track with this and if you are stuck, please see Mr. Swick prior to the due date of the CheckPoint.
For CheckPoint #1
Tab 1 - Timeline and Information - make sure all the necessary information is attached to the pages. If you are unsure how they get attached please refer to Mr. Swick's sample data book.
Tab 2 - Brainstorming and Beginning Ideas - Do you have a variety of brainstorming ideas (at least three)? Do you have details in the drawings and in written form? Did you explain on your selected topic? How are you going to set it up? How are you going to collect your data?
Tab 3 - Problem - Have you written out the problem that you are going to solve? You may have to write out the problem multiple time in different styles. Try to write the problem out without pronouns. (i.e., I, my, me, he she)?
For CheckPoint #2
Tab 4 - Identification Criteria and Specify Constraints - Understand and identify the requirements for the need or problem. Identify items that may be used in the construction and testing of your prototype. Identify restrictions and factors during testing.
Tab 5 - Background Information, Research and Generate Ideas - Draft out initial ideas of how the problem may be solved. Produce accurate pictorial and orthographic sketches of design concepts. Any sites or documents applied to the project need to be recorded using correct bibliography standards. This section is also used to show what you already know about the topic and any other information that may help in the project (i.e., engineering process involved, terms used, etc.). Also any researched items (library, Internet, etc.) that may help you learn more about the topic you chose. Any sources used have to be sited with a bibliography. Clippings of articles, photos or printouts may be attached here. Interviews with experts in the field are also recorded here.
Tab 6 - Consider the F.A.C.S. - Functionality (how it works), Aesthetics (the appearance), Cost (cost of the prototype and final product), & Safety (safety considered during construction and testing) are considered.
Tab 7 - Explore Possibilities - Based on documented research, originate multiple plausible ideas and methods to solving the problem. New and different ideas are discussed and/or sketched. Thoroughly analyze the pluses and minuses of each idea. Select the idea you feel is most likely to solve the problem and meet the requirements within the given boundaries (cost, weight, etc.) under the defined operating conditions.
For CheckPoint #3
Tab 8 - Develop the Design Proposal - Create an accurate and comprehensive (written) description that explains the solution and how it meets the task criteria. Create detailed designs (illustrations) of the prototype that will be tested. This includes any sizing of parts and choice of materials. Estimate costs of producing the design solution.
For CheckPoint #4
Tab 9 - Construction - Build the prototype that will meet the task criteria. Detailed notes and photographs encouraged.
Tab 10 - Test & Evaluate the Prototype - Test the prototype under the task criteria, understanding all factors involved. Detailed notes, and photographs encouraged.
Calculations from the test are analyzed to ensure that the requirements and conditions of the challenge have been met. Based on this information the design either solves the problem, retesting has to occur to acquire more data, or the prototype has to be redesigned due to defective design. Detailed notes and photographs encouraged.
Tab 11 - Retest and/or Redesign- The results from the test produced insufficient data and requires more testing. Detailed notes and photographs encouraged.
The results from the test (or construction) revealed prototype did not meet one or more requirements due to prototype design. New prototype ideas need to be explored. Detailed notes and photographs encouraged.
Tab 12 - Present Solution- The final solution is presented using extensive supporting evidence on how the solution meets the task criteria. Must be able to show that the performance is repeatable and controllable (i.e., that the results are not “luck” but are appropriate and exhibit a reasonable amount of variability.) Important information from the design proposal should be included.
Tab 13 - Application and Future Work- Think of practical applications that can be made from the results of your prototype. How can society benefit from this? ? Hindsight is 20/20. If you could start all over, what would you do differently? If you were to continue the project, what modifications would you make and test?
Tab 14- Miscellaneous - This section is used to keep extra information, pictures, etc.