Challenge introduces Engineering Design

Physics students were introduced to state Engineering Design standards through an activity that challenged them to engineer the tallest tower made only with four pieces of copy paper and 0.5 m of packing tape. Engineering Design is part of Oregon’s science standards that teach scientific inquiry, use of evidence, critical thinking, making connections and communications. Physics teacher Trish Beckius reports the following results:

Overall Winner (period 8 Physics): 2.55 m (255 cm)
Zach Bernard (SS), Kyle Fish (SS), Kendall Joyce (YS), Jacob Volkman (SS)

• Period 8 Physics-runner up: 2.31 m (213 cm)-Bailee Auxier (BS), Clara Pugsley (GS), Hannah Tokstad (GS)
• Period 5 Physics: 2.06 m (206 cm) Lacey Albo (SS), Chase Atkinson (GS), Steven Bell (YS)
• Period 4 Physics: 2.03 m (203 cm) Bijoux Doherty(YS), Megan Laughlin (BS), Jake Springer (YS)
• Period 2 Conceptual Physics (all BS): 1.91 m (191 cm): Kyle HalversonJacob Hooker, Jose Lopez

State Engineering Design Standard for high school

H.4 Engineering design is a process of formulating problem statements, identifying criteria and constraints, proposing and testing possible solutions, incorporating modifications based on test data, and communicating the recommendations.

H.4D.1 Define a problem and specify criteria for a solution within specific constraints or limits based on science principles. Generate several possible solutions to a problem and use the concept of trade-offs to compare them in terms of criteria and constraints.

H.4D.2 Create and test or otherwise analyze at least one of the more promising solutions. Collect and process relevant data. Incorporate modifications based on data from testing or other analysis.

H.4D.3 Analyze data, identify uncertainties, and display data so that the implications for the solution being tested are clear.

H.4D.4 Recommend a proposed solution, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and describe how it is better than alternative designs. Identify further engineering that might be done to refine the recommendations.

H.4D.5 Describe how new technologies enable new lines of scientific inquiry and are largely responsible for changes in how people live and work.

H.4D.6 Evaluate ways that ethics, public opinion, and government policy influence the work of engineers and scientists, and how the results of their work impact human society and the environment.