Teaming is a process in which people involved in research are split into groups in order to work more efficiently and effectively. Our teaming method consisted of 4 groups - mechanical, data, theory/communications, and team leaders. Each team consisted of 4 people, but more can be added to each team depending on what each team needs.
The mechanical team focuses on the construction of the trebuchet, as well as the management of tools and equipment required to build it. The mechanic team should always be able to determine the best methods that can be used to build a project, through trial and error, and by recording this process, the mechanic team can streamline the procedure to build things in the future. Our mechanical team functioned as a group and as separate people, with different people focusing on different details of the trebuchet, but they all came together to help build the trebuchet when necessary. The mechanical team should also place a large emphasis on the documentation of what materials they use - including sketches or images of tools and what the final product will look like.
construction
focuses on tools and equipment
processes of trial and error
documentation
The data team's main focus is on the collection of research and results, and what those results mean. People working on the data team should place a heavy emphasis on the documentation of research as well as the collection of data. The data team should find new ways of getting the best results in the most efficient way. Our data team focused on predictions and models of the trebuchet, utilizing a website that simulated a trebuchet to find the best way to build it and what materials to use. The data team works closely with the mechanical team in order to advise them on how to build it according to data's predictions and outcomes of the simulation. The theory team prioritizes documentation over everything. It's the theory team's job to make sure that all the other teams have timelines, procedures, and proper documentation of what they did and how they did it. In our class, the theory team worked closely with the other teams to get their documentation and create a website with it, which showed the processes that the other teams went through to get their results.
collection of research and results
interpretation of results
documentation
predictive modeling
computer software
The communications team wants to make sure that other people who see the finished product, the trebuchet, can see how each of the teams work together in order to build the product. The communications team builds the website and makes sure to take what the other teams do and put it on the website. This team wraps all the information up and puts the cherry on top.
compiling all parts of the build in one place
creating the website
presenting the work in a readable way
"We're leading. We're a team. Honestly... that's what it's all about"- Udeme Gordon (Leader of Team Leaders)
The team leaders are assigned to each group to supervise and help with tasks of the group assigned to them. We divided the team leaders individually, delegating one person to each group, while one other person remained as the manager for the team leaders. The team leaders had to ensure that everyone in their teams were following were creating and following their timeline in order to get the project done on time, and it was the team leader's job to allow their team to take charge by themselves, but guide them in the right direction.