Element E: APPLICATION OF STEM PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

Introduction

An intro into the principle designs that were used as we created the solution, what points we hit and how it affected the end product. Along with what we could possibly need to finish this project.

Science and Engineering Concepts for Research (STEM Principles)

STEM Principle 1: Problem Solving

The connection to the project problem: This applies to the problem because we needed to create a solution to design a better version of a mailbox to fit with our design specifications of a bigger and more secure mailbox.

Relation to design specifications: Two of our biggest problem were Size and Security which were the problems identified at first when finding a problem with mailboxes. Other problems we also decided on solving were the locations and durability of the mailboxes.

STEM Principle 2: Creativity

The connection to the project problem: We needed a creative way to prevent porch pirates and violators from stealing the packages and/or damaging the mailboxes

Relation to design specifications: This correlates to the Security, Location, and Design as the design of it would make it much more appealable to viewers while also protecting the package and mailbox by making a stronger mailbox and by putting the mailbox in a much more safe location

STEM Principle 3: Engineering-Design Thinking

The connection to the project problem: This would require a more technical approach as a security system would be needed to be put in place to help prevent people from stealing the packages so we decided to create a design, and prototype it to see if our approach to the problem is a reasonable solution

Relation to design specifications: It fits into the major strength/security as it creates a way to design a better mailbox that would be more secure than normal mailboxes and being less cheap than expensive security mailboxes. It was also the principle to design the Decision and Design Specifications of what we wanted out of a mailbox.

Expert Input

The expert, one of Kunze's, agreed with the three principles that were chosen, inputs of other experts are still pending. When talking about the design. Kunze's contact expressed interest in the idea, and waits to see the solution.

Possible Equipment Needs

Consider what will be needed in the design phase, the creation phase and the testing phase.

1. Materials(List:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sM9khV8gsPKGUIXoW5vTcwhVLz0JPbVcIp3oMObv9Tg/edit#gid=1281089154)

2. Screw drivers

3. Sautering kit

4. Miter Saw/Table Saw

5. CNC Router

Summary

About the STEM Principles and how they affect the end product, along with the necessary materials the team agreed would be needed for the creation of the solution.