Engineering Fair

How to Complete a Successful Project Engineering projects involve creative problem solving, and they are not hypothesis testing. Each engineering design , software application or device project should have a clear engineering goal which can fit the following model statement: “The design and construction of a (engineered product) for (target user) to do (some useful function).”

Where Can You Get Project Ideas? For inspiration you can check out the websites below, however your idea should be original. Quality entries from previous fairs are good sources of ideas and best practices. www.science-fair.org www.sciencebuddies.org www.education.com/science-fair/engineering/ https://www.thoughtco.com/engineering-science-fair-project-ideas-609039 http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category33.html https://ideas.lego.com/projects/d36e406d-4d08-4524-ac9b-c73edda32b7c http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/robots-and-robotics.html

Engineering Design Process http://www-tc.pbskids.org/designsquad/pdf/parentseducators/DS_TG_DesignProcess.pdf www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-process/engineering-design-process-steps www.teachengineering.org/k12engineering/designprocess https://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/phy03.sci.engin.design.desprocess/what-is-the-engineering-design- process/en/#.WZ4eIz6GPIU http://stempact.org/For-Educators/Resource-Library/~/media/C61F6E1A54E64C25A582D29E55F238AF.ashx

Design Process You will use the engineering design process to create your fair entry. This process is typical of those used by practicing engineers; the definition of terms and the number of steps may vary, but these are “essential steps.” This process is typical of those used by practicing engineers; the definition of terms and the number of steps may vary, but these are “essential steps.” Your very first step is to start a project notebook in which you will record every step of your process and the results of your design efforts. You may often repeat steps until you are confident the design will meet the needs. Note: the terms product, invention, project, design, and solution are often used interchangeably in fair guidelines. The Engineering Design Process: Define a need; express as a goal Establish design criteria and constraints Evaluate alternative designs Build a prototype of best design Test and evaluate the prototype using the design criteria Analyze test results, make design changes, and retest Communicate the design

Project Notebook/ Log Book Your participation requires this type of project book. It is kept to record the progress of your project. Detailed information should be entered on a regular basis. Detailed entries including the date, will show quality work to judges and will help write the final report.

Logbook The book should be a bound composition styled book. (No loose leaf paper or spiral notebooks. The entries must be recorded in blue or black ink. Each time you record information enter the date. ALL thoughts, ideas, sketches should be recorded. Are there any problems? Is it going the way you thought it would? Your design steps (including materials) should also be included. 5. Research information gathered is also recorded and you must also provide bibliography. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair- projects/science-fair/writing-a-bibliography- examples-of-apa-mla-styles http://www.super-science-fair- projects.com/science-fair-project-and- research.html

What is required to complete and compete in this project? You will first research using sites in this presentation and select what you would like to do. You will fill out the Engineering Proposal Form. Once your proposal is approved you will start your logbook, collect and read background research, keep a bibliography. Make sure you will be able to obtain all the materials needed. Follow you design plan 6. Complete an abstract form (more information on this later) 7. Obtain a project display board. These can be purchased at Dollar General for $2.50 8. Research Paper (more information on this later)

Where do I start? If you participate in the LGMS Engineering Fair you will NOT have to do a House Project this semester unless you select to do so. You can have one partner only. It is best if this person is in your Maker Space. Define your problem https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- fair-projects/engineering-design- process/engineering-design-problem- statement 4. Do Something you CARE about 5. Do your background research 6. Look for the answer to Why or How 7. Something that matters to developing countries,to disabled people, to the environment 8. Please e-mail Mrs. Holt if you have any questions. jholt@henry.k12.ga.us

Create & Innovate Fill out this form when you have decided on the problem you want to solve and fill out the top portion. You may obtain this form in Maker Space or print from this link. Please put your science teacher’s name on the form. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-process/engineering-project- proposal-form.pdf Your Maker Space teacher will turn this form into Mrs. Holt