Engineering Design Project

8C4

Blue region = wood support in this location. There is no cover, so the outer edge of the box is all that's there - Meaning it is a loop that things can pass through.

General instructions for all groups

CHECK YOUR SAFETY BEFORE DOING ANYTHING WITH A TOOL OR SUPPLY . Be mindful of those around you, and of your own body when maneuvering.
Each of the 5 groups will combine their work into one large class structure
Your structures cannot exceed the provided dimensions.
You do not have to use all of your supplies. Just like in real life, when you save on supplies, it's a good thing. SO this means when considering the winning group/class, the one with the most materials unused will get more advantage in the scoring. (But don't sacrifice strength or design to save materials. There is no problem in using everything available)
You may bring in and incorporate more materials, but they must be approved by Mr. Rossi first.
Just like in real-life you will experience setbacks that you must over come - I have built them into each groups work intentionally.
Keep things clean and organized. Work gets messy fast - that's fine. But stay on top of your materials or they might get stolen....

General cat information for all groups

Cats are more sensitive to certain things and have a tendency to bite or chew on things like the zip-ties. Make sure you position things to avoid allowing them access.
Cats are more sensitive to touch and injury - make sure there are no sharp edges or pieces that may lead to physical harm.
Cats have a more sensitive respiratory system so we need to ensure we get rid of all the dust we can
Cats like sisal rope, it is a healthy and natural rope that they can scratch or chew
Cats need friction to climb! They will slide right off smooth cardboard. This means we need to rough up areas of cardboard that we expect the cats to climb, or in some way provide them a surface to push against.
Cats love to roost on top of flat surfaces. Many times, the higher, the better, but not always the case.
Cats love to sit in boxes.
Cat's love to play with string
Cats like to squish through holes sometimes, kind of like burrowing. The smallest hole they will squeeze through is 6" in diameter.
Cats like having a hiding spot where no one can see them - somewhere dark to nap. They nap 12-15 hours/day
Zed loves to hide under boxes and other things. Delilah does not do this as much, but she loves to scratch whenever she's excited.

Minimum Requirements

Structures cannot exceed provided dimensions
Must be able to support a minimum of 30lbs
Must be able to connect/combine with the other structures built within the class
Must include at least one special feature for the cats (Windows, tunnel, a sitting basket type area, rope made scratching area, dangling string or play thing, a wall that doesn't go all the way down in one spot so the cats can play with each other on either side)
Must include at least one special engineering feature (something your group comes up with or that you have researched)

Supplies for each group

You are allowed to trade supplies, however, any conflict over the trade will result in destruction of the traded items i.e. neither group gets the stuff.

Just like in real life you will have limited access to supplies.

2 large boxes
2-3 smaller boxes
8 feet of sisal rope
20 feet of tape
50 zip ties
1 pair of heavy duty cardboard shears
Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
You will not be given hot glue, but you can incorporate it into your design at the points you will attach to other groups structures ONLY. For every other connection use cardboard techniques, zip ties, and tape.

Team Members:

Project Supervisor - Mr. Rossi. - Coordinates materials, assists with technical details. Provides plan for work groups and may assist at times.

Project Coordinator - Has the final say on important project decisions. When the team discusses issues or plans, they must not proceed unless the project coordinator tells them to move forward. Responsible for checking in on guidelines and making sure the group follows them. Ensures the group is cleaning up after themselves and packs up project neatly each session.

Intergroup Coordinator - Will take the ideas of their own group and meet to coordinate with other the intergroup coordinators in the room to make plans and decisions about how the groups individual structures will be put together/work together. They are responsible for delivering this plan back to their group for decisions to be made and building to continue.

Cut Supervisor - It is easiest to cut cardboard once you've had experience with it. Each group will get one pair of heavy duty scissors. They are to be used by the cut supervisor only. Make cuts to the cardboard where engineers have signaled you to do so. Can decide a certain cut is best done by the project supervisor and either bring it to Mr. Rossi, or send another free group member to request the cut.

Structural Engineer 1 & 2 & 3 - The first hands on the plan to make it come to life. Figure out how to use the cardboard and materials given to physically assemble your groups structure based on the plan you have all developed. Make marks on cardboard to signal cut supervisor where and how to cut. Also responsible for learning, or directing group members who are free to do research to figure out how to accomplish certain things. Others may assist in this process when not attending to their own duties.

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