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Name of NGM Educator:

Chris Petersen, Project Lead the Way, Bacon Academy

Name of Host Company:

Windham Automated Machines

Grade Level:

9th - 12th

Student Work Types:

Student 1 and 2 Dimensional Drawing

Task Abstract:

The students will work in teams of three to create a simple machine from two pieces of styrofoam. Two students will design two separate parts and the third student will create an assembly from the two parts. The student in charge of assembly will oversee the project to ensure that the design will interlock correctly. The simple machine must be capable of doing work and the students must be able to calculate the amount of work done (W=fd).

Task Objectives:

• The student will work in teams to create a 3D model of a simple machine.

• The criteria for creating this project was that it has to involve quality control. Quality control in a manufacturing plant extends all the way from the front office to the shop floor. The typical concept of quality control is that it merely involves checking parts as they are manufactured. In reality quality control extends to the coordination of the design process also. In the world of collaborative design the coordination of the design elements must be in place to create a workable and precise dimensioned drawing of the model.

Esssential Understandings/Questions:

• How does a design team create an assembly that will connect correctly together? 

Task Description:

The students will start by brain storming ideas for creating a simple machine. They will then sketch an isometric drawing of the idea using isometric dot paper and pencil. Then the students will draw the design using Autodesk Inventor. The students will print out scaled drawings and give the drawings to another set of student who will act as the manufacturing company and build the object.

Resources Required:

The students need to have access to CAD software, a glue gun, styrofoam and a styrofoam cutter.

Prior Learning Required:

The students should have some experience with the CAD program, and understand concepts of simple machines.

This entire project was done in the CAD lab.  The lab has both computer workstations and a large table for building projects.

Individual or Group Work: 

group

Educator Comments: