Break it Apart & Research! Challenge - take one
Evidence of Work
For the first project of our Senior STEM Engineering class with Mr. Tronconi, we were asked to reverse engineer a device. The purpose of the project was to analyze the function of a device, as well as analyze its efficiency from an engineering standpoint. For this project we worked individually; however, we gave each other evaluations of our work to ensure that we were producing the best project that we could. The device I chose was a Nerf Gun Strongarm, which is completely mechanical, and therefore has no electrical parts or mechanisms. My conceptual sketches of the Nerf gun with measurements are included to the right.
Before this project I had already taken apart a Nerf gun; however, that was for fun and I did not take much time into considering the function of each part of the gun. For this project I delved into a much more complex analysis of the gun and explored all of its parts.
To the right I have attached a picture, which includes a flow chart of the process the gun runs through to shoot a dart, questions I had while taking apart the gun, and my analysis of the gun's efficiency and purpose. The Nerf gun is designed purely for entertainment, yet it is fascinating to see how it is manufactured to be safe for younger children. In the image below I have included my further analysis the gun's efficiency and ease of use.
COntent
Before we began this project, our class learned about what being an engineer really means, as well as, learned and discussed the ethics of engineering. While learning about what being an engineer really means, we looked at the various fields of engineering along with the many jobs an engineer has. For example, when analyzing a device an engineer focuses on the creative use of materials, information, motion, and energy. A main way to completely analyze a device as an engineer is to make a conceptual sketch of the device, like the one I have above.
Reflection
It was fascinating getting to open up my nerf gun and analyze how it works, as well as analyze the function of each of its parts. Before this project I had actually already opened up a nerf gun, but it was not with the intent of reverse engineering the device. Therefore, this time I was able to take a closer look and I learned far more about the nerf gun. Throughout this project I relied on my skills as a critical thinker because I had to deduce the steps in which a nerf gun shoots, merely off of my own analysis. At the same time, I demonstrated my conscientious learning skills as I had great time management. Unfortunately I missed the first day in class where we got to work on this project, so I started out behind. However, I managed my time efficiently and set goals for myself to ensure that I got the project done on time.
While I did well with my critical thinking and conscientious learning skills, and learned a lot from the project, I could have improved upon my cultural competence and collaboration. For this project it was difficult to demonstrate cultural competence as the point of the project was simply to reverse engineer a device. However, I could have chosen a device that has more of a significant impact to communities in need, and learned how that device has helped others. Along with the difficulty of demonstrating my cultural competence in this project was the difficulty to collaborate with others. This project was primarily individual, therefore I did not work with others much. Yet, Mr. Tronconi did have us evaluate each others' work, which was a great way to collaborate with others on an individual project. Next individual project I want to improve upon working with others to help give feedback on their project and even receive feedback for my own project.