Grade 8 Science - Fluid Design Challenge

Keep in mind that the rubric will be updated.

Grade 8 Science and Technology Unit 3

Understanding Matter and Energy Culminating Design Challenge

Challenge Objectives

-          Demonstrate an understanding of the uses of pressurized systems

-          Demonstrate an understanding of a "sketch-to-design" process

Assessment:

-          Sketches that include Top, Front, Side, and 3-Dimensions and approximate dimensions

-          Written procedure/instructions submitted at the time of completion

-          Working model

Conditions:

- students may be in either pairs or triads

- sketches must be both peer and  teacher approved prior to construction

Projection Options:

A - The Claw

Students are to design a claw which they operate by controlling a pressurized system. The Claw must be able to securely grip a ping-pong ball and then elevate the ball as high as possible.

Provided: ping-pong ball, up to 3 pairs syringes, tubing, popsicle sticks

Required: foam board, hot glue guns sticks, tape, storage box            

This is an example of the project at the university level: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du-L-VPPezA

B - Labyrinth

Based on a Greek design by Daedalus, you are to create a marble-maze board game which is suspended by a structure of your design. The syringe pairs allow the board surface to pitch up and down, moving a marble through a maze. The maze may have pit-fall traps where the ball falls out. You may consider making the game with multiple levels. Consider the placement of the syringe/actuators; is there a way to move on syringe that would allow you to move the ball laterally and longitudinally across your board?

This is an example of a highly complex one using pneumatics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78ucwJMDe7o

Draft Rubric

CATEGORY	4 - Excellent	3 - Proficient	2 - Adequate	1 - Limited
Scientific Knowledge (Presentation)	Explanations by all group members indicate a clear and accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.	Explanations by all group members indicate a relatively accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.	Explanations by most group members indicate relatively accurate understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.	Explanations by several members of the group do not illustrate much understanding of scientific principles underlying the construction and modifications.
Construction -Materials	Appropriate materials were selected and creatively modified in ways that made them even better.	Appropriate materials were selected and there was an attempt at creative modification to make them even better.	Appropriate materials were selected.	Inappropriate materials were selected and contributed to a product that performed poorly.
Construction - Care Taken	Great care taken in construction process so that the structure is neat, attractive and follows plans accurately.	Construction was careful and accurate for the most part, but 1-2 details could have been refined for a more attractive product.	Construction accurately followed the plans, but 3-4 details could have been refined for a more attractive product.	Construction appears careless or haphazard. Many details need refinement for a strong or attractive product.
Function	Device functions extraordinarily well: completes the stated task effectively and efficiently using hydraulics. Device remains intact for future use.	Device functions well: completes the stated task using hydraulics. Device remains intact for future use, but takes longer than necessary to perform.	Device functions adequately: completes the stated task with some human assistance.	Fatal flaws in function: does not complete the task with some human assistance, or takes more than 2 minutes to complete the task.
Complexity	Device is very complex, and uses 2 or more hydraulic systems to accomplish task.	Device is complex, and uses 2 hydraulic systems to accomplish the task.	Device is somewhat complex.  Design includes 1 hydraulic system.	Device is very simple.  Design includes 1 hydraulic system.