Define a Problem
In this project due to our group not all being at the school it was important to create a gantt chart and the responsibilities each member would be responsible for due to their location. The gantt chart allowed for each member to have their responsibilities divided between each day in certain time intervals allowing for our work days to be more organized.This resulted in productive project days even though only one of us was in the classroom. The gantt chart also allowed for us not to be distracted or waste time due to us trying to stay on track with the schedule. Dividing our team responsibilities was an important part of the project because of Jackson being the only one who could physically work on the project. This limitation affected our responsibilities for example Jackson would be the main member to work on the proto-type and final design while Josh and I being at home could record data and research other materials.
Generate Concepts
- Coffee filters
- Tiny colander
- Sifting pan
- Cardboard
- Water bottle with gravel sand and filter paper
- Cotton
- Thin fish net
- Cheese cloths or gauze
- Sponge
- Sand
Pro's
Pro's
Pro's
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Develop a Solution
Construct and Test a Prototype
We tested many different versions of our original idea which resulted in a turbidity level of 37. In our original idea we included gravel, cotton, and coffee filters in our filter. We then decided to try and lower this value by trying other materials besides gravel. This is because based on our observations and research it was shown that most "do it yourself" filters used gravel to take out the large materials in the dirty such as leaves that would block the coffee filters. In our next design we then tried using sand instead of gravel with a layer of gauze underneath with cotton and coffee filters as our final layer. This prototype was able to provide us with the lowest tower turbidity we had, however we wanted to continue testing to see if we could reach a lower level. Our final prototype included brown paper towel as the top then sand and cotton with coffee filters. This prototype removed the gauze as a layer due to someone taking what we had left resulting in us having to decide on a new material last minute.
Evaluate Solutions
For our final design we decided to use the materials that were left in class which included coffee filters and cotton balls. After going through our test results we realized that when the design contained cotton balls and coffee filters it would result in having a low turbidity level. So with the materials remaining we decided to create our final design however we were not confident that cotton and coffee filters would be enough so after some brainstorming we decided to create two versions of our final design. We had a basic filter design and the other would be layered in a unique way that would allow for the water to filter in a different order than the first. After testing both filters we resulted in one filter having the second lowest turbidity.
design_process.pptx | |
File Size: | 5055 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Reflection
When we began the project we first began talking about each team members responsibilities, and who would be able to do what based on their location and skillset. On Friday we each began working on individual parts of the project such as the gantt chart or research by helping answer each others question about what would work best, was it available, and who was able to do what. Then Jackson began testing the different materials and recording data while Josh and I continued what we could on the rubric and began planning what could be done over the weekend in preparation for Monday. When Jackson finished testing materials we began brainstorming prototypes of different filters. In our brainstorming sessions one person would speak stating their idea, and would listen to each others criticism about the idea to allow for improvement. After finishing the session Jackson began creating the prototypes and coming back to the zoom to tell us the results. We tested three different prototypes on Friday with the lowest turbidity being 18. Over the weekend we began filing out our weebly's, placing photos while making a list of what was missing and what would be needed when we were back in class on Monday. When we joined class on Monday we held another brainstorming session to decide what worked and should be placed in our final design. After deciding on our final design, Jackson began building and testing the two ideas we came up with while josh and i discussed who would complete the presentation and what were some of the final details we needed to take care of. When Jackson finished testing we resulted in a turbidity level of 12, and began taking photos of our final design to place on our weebly. From this i lab i was reminded about how the design process should be done and how beneficial it is to assign team responsibilities. If there was something i could've done differently it would be to attend school in person and work with Jackson as he tested and built prototypes. This is because it was difficult to hear Jackson sometimes, and it would also be difficult for him and Josh to hear me speak over everyone else in class which would often times result in us waisting valuable time. Josh and Jackson worked extremely well and i think they make great partners, Jackson was always listening to Josh and my ideas giving us criticism, and doing his best to work on the prototype as fast as he could since we weren't there. Josh was always organized, and was always up for a new idea, when the first one didn't work. He was also very helpful with organizing the team responsibilities, and i would definitely work with them again if it was in person. This project went really well and i believe your next year students will enjoy it, the only problem i had with this project was due to not everyone being in class, however i do not believe this to be an issue for your next year students who will surely enjoy your class in person.