Guidelines for Engineering Projects
(Note - judges rubric contains point values for each of the following components, if a component is not present, no points will be awarded)
When you encounter a problem with a product or discover there isn't a product available that you would like to have to make your life easier/better - this makes a good engineering project idea! “Scientists try to understand how nature works; engineers improve existing products or create things that never were.” A good way to plan out your Engineering Project is to follow the list below:
1) Define the problem you have encountered - Ask - “How can I make this better?” or “who needs what, because of why?” Engineers create prototypes to improve items we already have or create new products all together.
2) Perform background research. Find out if anything has already been done or developed to better meet your needs. What makes them strong or weak solutions?
3) Criteria - make a list of characteristics of how/what your product should posses or how it should perform. Think of trying to improve/create the "perfect" product. You will test your prototypes against these criteria.
4) Make a materials list with your preliminary designs Consider costs, manufacturing and user requirements.
5) Build and test a prototype! Consider reliability, repair and servicing. Take note of these things for your data book. Compare your prototype against your criteria - how well did it meet your needs?
6) Retest and redesign If you need to! - Can you make even better improvements/changes?
7) Compare your prototypes to your criteria to see which one best meets your criteria and determine the best possible solution to the problem you encountered.
