Break it Apart!

Assignment:

Bring in a simple item (inexpensive) that you can take apart (bring more than one if possible).

SIMPLE - Not too complex, don’t be bringing in a radio, or a cellphone (yet).

EASY TO OPEN - Make sure that the item can be broken down using simple tools (bring your own tools!) 

CHALLENGE!

Individually: 

1. Disassemble your object, 

2.  Research its components, 

3. Conceptual sketch it and draw an exploded view  in your Engineering journal, 

4. Form teams of  3-4.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE NO STUDENT IN THE CLASS WORKS ALONE. Log your name in the team of your choice using the "Break it apart teams" Assignment on Google Classroom.

Collaborate with your team to:

1.  Exchange your findings

2. Find similarities of any kind (materials, functions, sub-functions, etc...) between the  group's objects 

3. Determine what question (human need) the individual objects answer. Are they "good" objects from an Engineering standpoint? Remember An engineer would focus on the creative use of energy, materials, motion, and information to serve human needs in the evaluation of a good object.

4. Reflect upon the process. Are the teams you are in working effectively, use the insight to determine your Capstone groups. 

5.  Create a way to present your findings & the process in an effective way (you choose how)  post the presentation on the "Break it Apart! challenge" assignment  on "Google classroom

Sketch it: 

On a white piece of paper try to sketch what you see, try to maintain the right proportions, show the exploded view of the object, include all components, connections and explain the functions of the different parts.

Research and answer the following questions about the object you are sketching:

1. What is it’s purpose (What is it supposed to do) 

2. What is the basic function? 

3. What real-life problem/human need is the object solving/address?

4. What are the functions of its parts/components?

5. How does it turn on (if applicable)? 

6. What is the mechanism to do that...? 

7. How do things fit together (functional relationships between its parts/components, connections)?

8. What is it made of (materials, be specific)?

9. Why do you think they used those materials to build the object?

10. Are there any identification numbers/codes on it or within it ? What do they mean?

11. What are some physics/technology principles involved in its functioning?

12. What are the measurements of the overall object and of its components?

13. What is its price?

14. Is it recyclable?

15. How would you improve it?

Quality requirements:

1. Title, name, date, period.

2. Clear, organized drawings/sketches, and flow chart

3. Labels

4. Connections to all parts

5. No crumpled/ripped paper

6. Readable writing

7. Written explanations of parts and functions

8. Ability to reconstruct the item following the sketch

9. Evidence of research.

10. Well explained scientific principles behind the functioning of the chosen item (numbers, units, formulas.)

Things to consider:

1. Time constraints (do I have enough time to do the best job I can with the object I choose?)

2. Is the object I choose too complex or too simple? 

3. Do I have access to the right tools?

4. Am I managing my work/research time properly?

5. How could I improve my work? What should I learn and research?

6. Where could I find additional information about my item?

7. If working with partners does everybody pull their weight (Is everybody contributing?) Is somebody dominating?

8. How did you break down your work, and manage tasks and times?

9. What items or resources could have made my work better?

10. What were the questions did me/my group came up with when researching the item?