Did you decide to revise your original design or request additional materials while in the construction phase? Why?.
Did you succeed in creating a device that could rescue a puppy from a well in under three minutes? If so, how long did it take? If not, why did it fail?.
Student Reflection (engineering notebook)
For more content on the topic, see the “Digging Deeper” section.
As a class, discuss the student reflection questions.
Teams should document the amount of time it took for them to rescue the puppy.
Weight can be added to the puppy for a better challenge.
Test the rescue devices by removing the puppy from the well (wastebasket) within 3 minutes.
Teams may trade unlimited materials with other teams to develop their ideal parts list. They agree on materials they will need, write/draw their plan, and present their plan to the class.
Students meet and develop a plan for their rescue device.
If they are struggling, ask questions that will lead them to a solution quicker. (Give students regular “time checks” so they stay on task.
Use a timer or an on-line stopwatch (count down feature) to ensure you keep on time.
Announce the amount of time they have to design and build (1 hour recommended).
There is limited oxygen in the well so it is critical that they rescue the puppy within three minutes.
Explain that students must design and build a device that can safely rescue a puppy from a well from a height of one meter.
Provide each team with their materials.
Instruct students to start brainstorming and sketching their designs.
Review the Engineering Design Process, Design Challenge, Criteria, Constraints and Materials.
Discuss that engineers must design equipment to stand up to the various challenges involved in rescue operations. Invite students to share what types of situations prompted these rescues and what type of equipment was involved. Ask students if they have ever seen a person or animal being rescued from a dangerous situation on the news or on TV.
Discuss the topics in the Background Concepts Section.
Hand out the Design a Rescue Device worksheet, as well as some sheets of paper for sketching designs.
Knots, Splices, Attachments, and Ladders Section I.
Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet Will Be Used Throughout the United States, Merit Badge Counselors Should Understand That Not Every Method Can Be Fully Described Here.