ENGINEERING DESIGN

OVERVIEW

Participants work as part of a team to solve a design problem. Through use of a model/prototype, display, and design notebook, the team explains in detail how it has solved the problem and the solution's impact on society and the environment. Finalists demonstrate the problem and solution in a timed presentation.

PURPOSE

Work as part of a design team on a solution that incorporates the application of scientific and mathematical principles and concepts, that demonstrates application in areas of technology, and that assesses the impact of the solution on society and the environment.

E L I G I B I L I T Y

Entries are limited to one (1) team of (3-5) students per chapter.

T I M E L I M I T S

A. Entries must be started and completed during the current school year.

B. Finalists are allowed up to ten (10) minutes to present their solution.

PROCEDURE

A. Participants check in their entries at the time and place stated in the conference program. No more than two (2) team members set up the display.

B. Entries are reviewed by evaluators. Neither students nor advisors are present at this time. A finalist list in random order is posted.

C. Finalist teams report to the event area at the time and place stated in the conference program.

D. Finalist teams explain their team's solution, its marketplace potential, and its impact on society and the environment. Evaluators are free to ask questions.

E. No more than two (2) team members pick up their entry from the display area at the time and place stated in the conference program.

REGULATIONS

A. The entire solution (including model/prototype, design portfolio, display and any equipment needed for the presentation) must be contained within a 48" wide x 30" deep x 48" high area.

B. The model/prototype must include the use of at least three (3) different types of materials.

C. The design notebook must be done on 11" x 17" paper and must include the following components:

1. Cover page that includes a team logo and the problem design brief.

2. Introductory page that lists important design constraints and the problem solving steps, and that provides an organizational chart describing the title and responsibility of each team member.

3. Research conducted by the design team, two (2) or more pages

4. Documentation of brainstorming, one (1) or more pages

5. Consideration of a minimum of three (3) possible solutions with a brief evaluation of each one's merit, one (1) or more pages

6. Details about the solution including a 3D-technical drawing or rendering, one (1) or more pages

7. Math and science concepts involved in the final solution, one (1) page

8. Explanation of the areas of technology that are part of the solution [include as many areas as apply], one (1) or more pages:

a. Medical

b. Agriculture and biotechnology

c. Energy and power

d. Information and communication

e. Transportation

f. Manufacturing

g. Construction

9. Evaluation of how well the final solution meets the design brief problem and explains the possible impact of the solution on society and the environment, one (1) or more pages.

D. Any special set-up and/or equipment required for the display or finalist interview the responsibility of the participants. Limited access to electricity is provided.

EVALUATION

Please refer to the official rating form for more information.

NOTES

Engineering Design is meant to address many of the same technology challenges presented by the National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC), which used to be included in the TSA lineup of competitive events and which may return. Meanwhile, TSA students interested in NEDC can refer to

www.jets.org/nedc.htm.

The design problem in this event is entirely up to the participant. Examples of past projects are a device to open jars, a wheelchair with better mobility, a practical robotic application, etc. (Other examples can be found at attp://www.jets.org/ nedc.htm.) Read the regulations carefully and then choose a new or improved design in which you're interested.

Read the General Rules and Regulations in the front of this book for information that applies to all of TSA's competitive events.