Ultimate Design Challenge!

Hello there, I’m back on my nonsense, buckle up because have I got a post for you. Currently, we’re still in scimatics, a mix of science and math. Our latest project, the Ultimate Design Challenge, was more math-based. The goal of this project was to use the software, Tinkercad to make a 3D model of an object, trying to optimize either surface area or volume.

Answer to driving question

How can we design an object to optimize its shape?

As I mentioned earlier, the goal of this project was to make a 3D model of an object. My partners and I chose a chessboard with one of each piece so my goal was to make a queen and a rook. I designed them to optimize a crystal-like shape using triangles, diamonds and more pointy shapes like those.

Evidence of learning

I learned a lot in this project! Here are some milestones that helped my learning. 

Milestone 2: models and formulas

Milestone 2 was the models of the chess pieces I was making and the formulas for how to get the surface area and volume of them. This milestone was important because the models are a key part of this project. It was also crucial to be able to know how to get the surface area and volume because that was also a project requirement.

Milestone 3: calculations 

This milestone was all the calculations for the surface area and volume of the shapes. This took quite a while and was difficult because we had to take the models apart and do the math for the surface area and volume of each shape in the model. It was quite challenging but helped me learn a lot about surface area and volume. Here’s a couple of my shape calculations.

Milestone 5: presentation

This milestone was the final keynote presentation of our 3D models and the calculations for them. This helped me learn because we had to share all of our learning with the class. My partner Ava and I presented a pretty awesome slideshow and it went well!

Core competencies 

This project, as all do has core competencies. Here I’ll talk a little about them. Here’s the criteria.

How can I explain and justify mathematical ideas and decisions?

I think I used this competency in Milestone 3, calculations. As I mentioned before, we had to calculate the surface area and volume of our shapes. We had to make sure all our calculations were correct. This also carries onto Milestone 5, presentations. We had to present our shapes and talk through the calculations.

How can I contribute to care for self, others, community and world through personal or collaborative approaches?

This competency basically meant are you on task during class and well it’s been rough but overall I think I’ve used class time efficiently. I have had a couple of struggles with staying on task but for the majority of the time, I was ok.

Model mathematics in contextualized experiences

This competency was a good use of Tinkercad, the 3D modelling software. I’d say I’m accomplished or extending in this competency as I effectively used it to create 2 chess pieces. 

Thanks for coming to my blog, I hope you enjoyed this post and learned a little from it. Until the next project, spoilers, it’s a good one, see you later!