Session 1 · DESIGN: Give Value
Test day with real users
- 10 minSet up test stations. Prepare the toy passenger, the shake table and the 'cyclone'.
- 30 minYounger students or visitors test your models. Watch them and note what they find easy or confusing.
- 10 minAsk your visitor: what did it do well, and what would make it safer?
Session 2 · DESIGN: Navigate Constraints
Engineer's report and trade-offs
- 25 minWrite your one-page report: brief, annotated sketch, force diagram, results table, improvements.
- 15 minTrade-offs: what did you give up? Stronger but heavier? Taller but wobblier? Cheaper but less tidy? Explain one choice.
- 10 minShare the report with a local engineer or council officer by email or a visit, and note their questions.
Getting started
Use the report frame with five headed boxes.
Stretch
Estimate the materials your full-size design would need and suggest a more sustainable option for one part.
Checkpoint
A tested model, a one-page report and a clear explanation of one trade-off.
Useful this week
- William Henry Robinson ↗ The scientist behind the lead rubber bearing, and the problem he solved.
- Engineering New Zealand ↗ Find out what engineers do and how to connect with one near you.