Activity 1.7 What Is It?

Introduction
Engineering and design require creativity and the ability to problem solve. You must
be able to gather new information, continually learn, and apply what you know to
new situations. Engineers try to think outside the box in order to solve new
problems or find ways to improve current solutions. In this activity you will act as an
engineer and provide an explanation and evaluation of a product that you have
hypothetically designed.

Equipment

Engineering notebook
Pencil

Procedure
Assume that you are an engineer that has developed a preliminary design for an
important problem. Write and present an explanation and evaluation of your design.
1. Choose one of the designs represented in the four images presented by your
instructor (and reproduced below) as YOUR design.
2. Think about the object in the image and the problem that it may solve. Answer
the following questions.

What is it?

What problem does it solve?

What criteria were used to guide the design?

What are the most important features of the design? What features allow it
to perform its intended purpose?

How does your product affect society and the environment?

3. Outline a five paragraph essay that explains your design and answers the
questions above. A five paragraph essay includes an introductory paragraph, a
conclusion paragraph, and three paragraphs in the body. Use the format below to
outline your essay. You must use at least one of the terms, invention or
innovation, within your essay to describe your design.

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Five Paragraph Essay Outline Format

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The stain evaporator, what is it?

Hi my name is Nathaniel Orsak and Im here to tell you about my invention and what it
does how it helps you and how you are helping the environment. My invention is called
the stain evaporator and I will cover the three big things with it, what is it for, how does it
work and finally how is it safe for the environment.
What is it for?
The stain evaporator can get rid of any stain on any material with no problem. If the
stain is tougher then switch the lever to a higher remove. The stain evaporator has three
settings for how powerful you want the chemicals to be.
How does it work?
First find the right power setting you need for the stain. Then put the stain evaporator on
top of the stain and scrub till the chemical turns green. That means that it is ready for it
to be washed.
How is it safe for the environment?
Every stain evaporator comes with three types of stain remover to go alone with the
three setting. When one, two or all three run out they are recycled. This stops some
trash from ending up on the side of the road or in the woods.
This can help getting rid of stains so much easier and help to stop liter in own
community. So I have told you my three major thing for my invention what is it for, how
does it work and how is it safe for the environment.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

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I.

II.

Introduction
A.

Introductory statement

B.

Thesis statement: ____________________

Body
A. First Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________

B.

C.

III.

1.

____________________

2.

____________________

3.

____________________

Second Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________

1.

____________________

2.

____________________

3.

____________________

Third Supporting Idea (Topic Sentence): ____________________

1.

____________________

2.

____________________

3.

____________________

Conclusion
A.

Closing statement

B.

Restate thesis: ____________________

About the Author (sixth paragraph)

The thesis statement should identify the object or design and describe the problem
that the design solves, that is, the purpose of the design. The body paragraphs
should provide support for your thesis statement by describing three features of the
design and discussing how each feature helps solve the problem.
4. Using the outline you have created, write a five paragraph essay that explains
your design, the problem it solves, and its most important features.
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5. Add a paragraph entitled About the Author to the end of your essay. In this
additional paragraph, describe your discipline of engineering and how knowledge
from that discipline helped you create your design and solve the problem.
6. Review and evaluate a classmates essay using the Activity 1.7 What Is It? Essay
Rubric.
7. Present a one minute elevator pitch to your class describing your design, the
problem it solves, and its most important features. An elevator pitch is an
expression describing a short presentation with the goal to communicate major
ideas and generate interest in your subject. The length of the presentation should
short enough to be completed in a typical elevator ride.

Conclusion
1 Why is it important for engineers to be creative and think outside the box?
8. What other characteristics do you believe engineers should possess in order to
be successful problem solvers?

Design Images:

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

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