Guidelines for Technology Projects
(Note - judges rubric contains point values for each of the following components, if a component is not present, no points will be awarded)
"Scientists try to understand how nature works; technical engineers improve existing programs or create new programs all together." Technology projects often involve creating new computer software (like a new game), robotics, or creating and writing a new algorithms to solve a problem or improve on existing algorithm. Simulations, models, or 'virtual reality' are other areas on which to conduct research.
1) Define the problem you have encountered - Ask - “How can I make this program better?” or “who needs what, because of why?” or "do I need to create a whole new/different program?"
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/program! 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.
