Pose Question:  What does it mean to prototype?

• Possible narrative:

• A prototype is a version of a final product that can be used for testing. Designers only make a few prototypes at a time.  They use them to help them make decisions about changes they need to make.  

• Prototypes include detailed drawings, models, mock-ups, 3D prints, and other physical artifacts. The key is that a prototype is testable—you might not be able to test every requirement with a given prototype, but it keeps you from investing too much time in a solution that isn’t going to work.

Instruct the students, as individuals, to draw a 3-view drawing or an isometric drawing of their idea before trying to make it. They should include at least 1-2 physical dimensions so that they start to think about how big it’s going to be and if it will fit on their index card.

Feel free to allow students to measure the catapult platform and/or the projectile so they can make more informed decisions about size.

Each student should assemble a prototype using a single (large) index card or half of a sheet of card stock.

The students should use 2D-net techniques and/or multiple pieces cut out and taped together.

It may take a couple of tries to make each prototype match the sketches, but in an effort to not use up too many index cards, they should probably show you their ‘plan’ or drawings before you give them a card to make a prototype.

Each student should end up with a prototype that they can test.