2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

IED Activity 8.5 Instant Challenge: Air Vehicle Page 1

Activity 8.5 Instant Challenge: Air
Vehicle

Introduction
There are many ways to solve a problem. Sometimes it is as simple as applying a
piece of duct tape. Other times it takes months or years for a product to progress
from an idea into full-scale production.

In this activity your team will design and build a device that will transport items
without letting them touch the ground.

Equipment (may vary)
Paper (used to design the device, but cannot be used in final product)
Pencil (used to design the device, but cannot be used in final product)
Scissors (used to design the device, but cannot be used in final product)
Timer (used to measure the results, but cannot be used in final product)
18 inches of string
10 straws
4 mailing labels
4 paper clips
5 rubber bands
2 marbles
1 pencil

Procedure
Using only the materials provided, design and build a system that will carry items
at least 6 inches in distance. During the 6 in. flight neither your items nor your
carrier can touch the ground. Each item transported may only be scored once.
The items may travel in only one direction to score. The movement of the carrier
may be initiated by a team member, but a team member may not be the carrier.
1. Your team will have 15 minutes to devise a solution and document the solution
both in writing and in graphical form with a drawing.
2. Your team will have 5 minutes to build your solution.
3. Finally, your team will have 2 minutes to demonstrate your solution.
4. Use the design process learned in Unit 1. Document each step in your
engineering notebook as you complete this design challenge.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
IED Activity 8.5 Instant Challenge: Air Vehicle Page 2



Scoring
Your team may receive points for the following.
Creativity: Up to 20 points for creativity in the design and use of materials.
Teamwork: Up to 20 points for how well your team works together.
Performance: 5 points each for items transported together and 10 points each
for items transported individually.

Conclusion
1. If you had the opportunity to optimize your design, how would reduce the amount
of materials used?


2. If you had the opportunity to optimize your design, how would you increase the
distance that the cotton ball moves?


3. How could you improve the effectiveness of your team?