Design and Modeling

Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they've learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Design

Students discover the design process as they complete an instant design challenge to create an ankle foot orthosis. They learn thumbnail, orthographic, isometric, and perspective sketching as methods for communicating design ideas effectively without the use of technology. The use of a common measurement system is essential for communicating and fabricating designs. Students use both measurement systems and apply measurement skills while dimensioning sketches. They create and launch paper air skimmers and complete statistical analysis on their results. Students conduct a mechanical dissection in the lesson project to better understand how objects and parts interact while using sketches to communicate and document their findings.

Lesson 2: Solid Modeling

In this lesson, students transfer a two-dimensional representation to a three-dimensional solid model with technology. Students learn how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) application to create solid models of various objects and designs. During the design project, students work in teams and apply the design process to create a puzzle cube. Students create a solid model of their design using the CAD application and fabricate their design solution for testing. Students use a dynamic mathematics program to complete statistical analysis from their testing results to determine if their design met the criteria and constraints.

Lesson 3: Design Challenge

Within teams, students brainstorm and select a design solution to the Therapeutic Toy Design Challenge problem based on design requirements. They establish team norms, collaborate, and recognize that solving authentic problems involves interdisciplinary skills such as engineering and biomedical science. Using the design process, students create a solid model of their design, build a prototype for design testing, and make necessary design modifications based on testing results.