AOIT PORTFOLIO

This project was part of the DTS course. For this project we had to design a paper bridge that had to be 20 cm long and support 40 pennies with the help of five paperclips. The paper bridge had to be suspended between two books and not be attached to them. The first step we took to complete this week long project was going through each step of the design process. We also had to research different models of real life bridges. To meet the due dates we had to work in and out of school with our groups. The specific targeted skill of this project was using the design process to create a prototype. This skill was required to complete the project because we needed to have a model that functioned best so it was important to choose the optimal solution. Other skills we used to complete this were working with groups and meeting deadlines. With our groups we had to think of possible and combine them with other group member’s ideas to make the best bridge. Also, we had limited time, so to meet the deadlines we had to work with our group outside of class to get the project done on time. Completing this project I learned more about criteria and constraints and the difference between the two. The beginning stages of this project focused on identifying the criteria and constraints and showing the difference between the two. For both criteria and constraints, which are often confused for each other, we had to list features for each one in other scenarios and define them. Some difficulties we faced were our bridge not being able to perform the desired task (supporting forty pennies) and our limited knowledge of the design process. When our bridge wasn’t able to support forty pennies we figured out the reason why and design a new bridge that eliminated that reason. Since the class being relatively new to the design process (this was one of our first projects), we struggled to go through each step and apply it to our project. We overcame this by reviewing our notes (often) and asking our teacher for help.