MESA Project Overviews 2017-2018

2017-2018 MESA Day Projects Stick Together Prosthetic Arm MESA Think Tank Rube Goldberg Device Wright Stuff Glider National Engineering Design Competition

Stick Together Students will use math and science to implement engineering concepts in the design and construction of a model bridge from your own plans that will carry a maximum load while using as few craftsticks as possible; stressing neatness, craftsmanship, and creativity. LEVEL: Grades 6 - 8 TYPE OF CONTEST: Team COMPOSITION OF TEAM: 2 students per team

Prosthetic Arm Students will design, construct, and operate a simulated prosthetic arm that can successfully throw as many ping pong balls into Target Zone as fast as possible. LEVEL: Grade 6 – 8 TYPE OF CONTEST: Team COMPOSITION OF TEAM: 2-3 students per team

MESA Think Tank Have you ever wanted to pitch a MESA Competition to MESA staff/judges. Here is your chance! We are looking for a team that has an innovative STEM Competition that can be piloted in the next MESA Day Competition. LEVEL: Grades 6-8 TYPE OF CONTEST: Team COMPOSITION OF TEAM: 2-3 Students per team

Rube Goldberg Students will design and construct a device that utilizes three to six different sequential and dependent actions from three different energy categories that will ultimately launch a vinyl kick ball the farthest distance in the least amount of time. Students must design their device to be transported by bus or car. LEVEL: Grades 6 and 7/8 TYPE OF CONTEST: Team COMPOSITION OF TEAM: 2-3 students per Team

Wright Stuff Glider Students will design and construct a glider that, when launched by the officially supplied launcher, flies through the air and lands on an “X” 5 meters (16.4 feet) from the launch area. LEVEL: Grades 6 - 8 TYPE OF CONTEST Individual/Team COMPOSITION OF TEAM 2-3 students per team 6TH; 2-3 students per team 7TH-8TH

Engineering Notebook Information!! The purpose of the Engineering Notebook is for students to more closely follow the practices of an engineer in the completion of their MESA Day projects. The Engineering Notebook will encourage students to take a purposeful and sustained approach to building their devices. MESA projects are not designed to be completed in a single class period or day, but to be the result of thoughtful research, planning, analysis and evaluation. The notebook should provide a written record of the thought and insight that a student put into their project, from initial ideas to the final completed project. Required for All MESA DAY Competitions!!