Solve a World Problem

Beginning this project, as a group we brainstormed all the possible problems we thought were important to us and we could make a change with. We had a little trouble picking as we had multiple topics we thought were very important. We finally narrowed it down to lung cancer because it was something we frequently encounter and want to make a difference in. We had seen many attempts to solve the issue in our area, and decided our solution needed to be different and long lasting. We settled on gum. We knew this would be the best solution because it allows for people to chew gum instead of cigarettes, To do this we found some deguelin which help prevent lung cancer. We compiled all this into a slideshow to show our class the final project.

Ask: Identify the need and constraints -

We identified our problem after brainstorming, and decided that deguelin would be our main focus. We knew there was no way to solve lung cancer everywhere so we decided that we would help wherever we could.

Research the problem -

We spent around a day or two separately researching and annotating reliable articles. Once we had enough information we shared to the group.

Develop possible solutions -

We knew there were many attempts to solve lung cancer already and we decided to try to be original. We orignally thought of only a cigar that had deguelin in it, but we knew that would not provide long term stability because people would keep smoking it.

Test and evaluate prototype -

We looked at our solution from every angle and thought about every situation we could help. We thought about what each gum packet would have and what it needed to be a stable product on the market.

Improve: Redesign as needed -

We decided to add deguelin into the gum.

Plan: Select a promising solution -

We decided to officially put deguelin into the gum because if people like having something in their mouth all the time why not gum.

Create: Build a prototype -

first we built the deguelin cigar but that didn't work, so we used one of my old gum packets so we could put gum with deguelin in it.

Reflection

I think that during this project, one of my strengths was cultural competence. This project we dealt with some heavy material that was sometimes hard to read about. I think that I did a great job of seeing the issue from every perspective and doing my best to understand how hard it would be to put myself in others shoes. I also think critical thinking was a strength of our group as a whole. We were tryign to solve an issue that many others had tried to solve before so we really had to think outside the box when looking for solutions. We also needed to justify why our solution would be the best because there were so many other pre-existing solutions. I think that next project I can keep this up by carefully thinking over all my choices and staying self aware.

I think that one of my weaknesses as an individual during the project was my communication. I was in a group with my good friends this time and found it hard to focus at some points. I didn't listen as well as I normally do and I think my work began to reflect this. I also struggled with my conscientious learning in the form of time management. I often found myself going off task a lot and not getting any work done