End of the Design Activity

We are reaching the end of the first Design Activity.We will be starting the second one after Easter. All the group work is represented on their wikis at www.wikispaces.com. Each student is also a member of the Sample7Tech Wiki which gives them explicit instructions on what they are supposed to do on each page of their own wiki.


They should now be working on page 5. Best Solution. They were told to bring materials to their last class to work on their prototype. They have been told (and they were told to write it on the homework board of their classrooms) that they have to have their prototype finished by next class. If they are able to take photographs during construction, that would be great, but they only have to have a picture of their completed prototype for their wiki page. Anything else is gravy! If they are unable to do that outside of class, we will take the picture and post it to the wiki first thing next class.


Their next tech class will be presentation preparation. Each group will have to present their wiki and their final solution (prototype) to the class. Here are the instructions as they appear on page 6. Evaluation & Presentation on the Sample7Tech Wiki:

We will not have time to do a proper evaluation of your prototype and finish this project by the Easter break, so you will not have to write an essay for this project (you will for your next one!!). Use this page to plan your presentation. Make jot notes about who will cover each part of the presentation. If you want to use actual notes for your presentation, you will have to write them out, because you must not show us this page during your presentation.

Your presentation to the class must take them through your wiki to your best solution. Do not read your wiki to the class!Summarize what you did for each step and how you decided on your best solution. Show the class your prototype and how it works. Then, evaluate your prototype for the class using the questions below as a guide. Tell them what you would do differently if you had more time.

1. How well does it meet the criteria outlined in the design brief?
2. What does it do well?
3. How could it be improved?
4. What would you do differently if you had more time and unlimited access to the ideal materials.

Be honest and forthcoming with both the good points and the flaws. A good designer admits the shortcomings of their design and, if they have time, would work on overcoming them.

Your presentation should be about 3-4 minutes long.
Mr. Forsey's class will prepare on Monday, March 26 and present on Friday, March 30.
Mrs. Stuckey's class will prepare on Monday, April 2 and present on Wednesday, April 4.