“Failure is Always an Option” Scott Coffel, HCTC Director Sarah Livesay, PhD Assistant Director

Assignment Preview 1000-1250 words One figure Three credible sources Two mandatory drafts (first and final) 10% of overall course grade

Writing Prompt Read a short essay by civil engineer Henry Petroski titled "Failure is Always an Option,” which analyzes the 2003 failure of NASA’s Columbia space shuttle. Draft and revise your own essay that addresses a structural and ethical failure for a general audience.

Engineering Requirements Choose a structural failure (building, bridge, dam, tunnel, etc.) that can be used to explain Statics to a general audience. Analyze how and why the structure failed by incorporating your knowledge of Statics concepts like equilibrium, moments, loads, and forces.

Ethics Requirements Discuss the ethical factors that contributed to the failure (undetected design flaws, an absence of safety regulations, etc.). Reflect on the broader ethical challenges engineers face when designing and maintaining structures.

Format and Style Requirements Include at least one figure (with caption and citation) to illustrate relevant Statics concepts. Use and cite at least three credible sources (not Wikipedia) in APA format. Use clear, straightforward language and active verbs (“The cables lifted the deck of the bridge, causing a downward force…”).

10% Procedural Points Submit your first draft to the ICON/Canvas Assignment module on time. (5% of assignment grade) Schedule and attend an appointment at the HCTC between February 22 – April 25. (5% of assignment grade) Appointment location: 2224 SC To make an appointment, go to our home page and click "Schedule now”

Resources Petroski Article Tacoma Narrows Bridge Case Study Engineering Case Studies Online NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers Assignment, Evaluation Sheet Sample Essays

Schedule and Deadlines March 22 (Wed.) First draft due to ICON/Canvas Assignment module by 4:00 p.m. Week of April 3 Drafts returned via ICON February 22 – Attend appointment at the HCTC April 25 April 26 (Wed.) Final paper due to ICON/Canvas Assignment module by 4:00 p.m. Week of May 8 Final papers returned via ICON

Example: “Livesay, Sarah, Sec. 1, Draft” HCTC Requirements Name your files: Last name, First name, Section number, Draft/final Example: “Livesay, Sarah, Sec. 1, Draft” When you come to the HCTC for your appointment, bring a printed copy of your paper. If your first draft has been evaluated, print 1) your rubric and 2) your paper with the grader’s comments. Late Policy: Late work will not be accepted. Rare exceptions will be made for documented illnesses or emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Further information can be found at https://registrar.uiowa.edu/sites/registrar.uiowa.edu/files/wysiwyg_uploads/reason_for_absence_from_class_1.pdf.

Questions? Email: askctc@engineering.uiowa.edu Stop by the Hanson Center at 2224 SC

Thank You “What is written without effort is read without pleasure.” —Samuel Johnson