Table of Contents Unit 1- Understand the Problem Unit 2- Gather Information Unit 3- Develop Solutions Unit 4- Implement A Solution Unit 5- Test and Evaluate Unit 6- Redesign and Communicate

In this activity, you will: -Test your solution to the Structure Design for Earthquakes project. -Evaluate your solution

For testing, we will use a machine that simulates the way the ground moves during an earthquake. This machine allows us to test how well the prototypes can resist earthquake damage.

Next, each student will test a prototype courthouse structure. DO: Get the test and evaluate form. DO: Before each student’s test, write the student’s name on the form. After the test, record the results on the form. DO: Make sure to document all of the results.

Processes Outputs Inputs Resources Feedback A system is a combination of parts that work together to achieve a desired goal. Systems can be simple or complex, small or large. Examples of technology systems are a plow, a space shuttle, a personal computer, and an automobile plant.

A system model is used to better understand how a system works. A system model has inputs, resources, processes, outputs, and feedback. Processes Outputs Inputs Resources Feedback

Glossary Resources- Resources are what is available to produce the outputs. Resources include people, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, capital (money), and time. (Coal, people to mine the coal, tools needed to mine the coal, money to pay workers, etc.) Inputs- Inputs define the system, its components, and its method of operation. (How coal is used to make electricity through a generator)

Glossary Processes- Processes combine the inputs and resources to produce the outputs. (Coal + Generator = Electricity) Outputs- Outputs are the measurable results. (Watts of electricity) Feedback- Feedback is information about the outputs. Feedback can be used to adjust the inputs to produce more desirable outputs. (Electricity Bill)

A system is a combination of parts that work together to achieve a desired goal. A system model has inputs, resources, processes, outputs, and feedback.

DO: Get Form 5-2: System Evaluation **Make sure you have a definition for each part of the system** DO: Under Inputs, list the inputs that went into your building. (parts) DO: Under resources, list the people, information, materials, tools and machines, energy, capital, and time that were involved. DO: Under Process, list the steps you used to create your prototype and briefly describe each step. DO: Under Outputs, list all measurable results. DO: Under Feedback, list information you learned and things you would change.

Recall that an efficient structure uses the least possible amount of materials to meet the design goals. One way to evaluate the structure of your building is to consider the cost of the materials used to build it.

DO: Get the design sketch. DO: Use a ruler to measure all of the members. Write the length of each member beside the member on the design sketch. DO: Sum the lengths of the members. DO: Get the building costs form. DO: Fill in the Sum of the Members from the design sketch. DO: Multiply Sum of the Members by 4 to fill in Total Inches. DO: Multiply Total Inches by Cost per Inch to fill in Total Cost of Members. DO: On the design sketch, count the number of joints. DO: On the building costs form, fill in Number of Joints DO: Multiply Number of Joints by 4 to fill in Total Joints. DO: Multiply Total Joints by Cost per Joint to fill in Total Cost of Joints. DO: Sum Total Cost of Members and Total Cost of Joints to fill in Total Cost.

Congratulations! You have completed “Unit 5 – Test and Evaluate”. You may now move onto the last step of the technological problem solving process which is “Unit 6 – Redesign and Communicate”.