NFA Engineering Students Design and Create Prototype to Solve Real Life Request

NFA's engineering classes have been working on a project for the district in collaboration with the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, utilizing the skills they learn in class to solve real-world scenarios. With the guidance and teachings of Mr. Matthew Schweizer, Architecture, Engineering, and Design Teacher, students analyzed the problem, designed their own prototypes, collaborated to streamline their ideas to one product, create a prototype, analyze their prototype, and present their final concept.  

Problem Statement:

During the fall season, the FACE team has been putting out cardboard collection boxes to collect items that are needed in our community: clothing, toys, food, books, etc. The FACE team has recognized that these boxes are not durable enough for the task at hand, breaking down after a few uses.

Mission Statement:

We need to design a new collection container that is: collapsible, movable, clearly visible, and durable. This box should be branded using NECSD colors and logos. There should be a designated spot for a season specific flier to be posted and replaced depending on the collection item or language.

Brainstorming New Designs:

Students were tasked with sketching 5-10 ideas for the new collection box.

Exploring Possibilities:

Using the brainstorming sketches, students built their final design using a ¼ scale (3”-1’). Students used their notebook drawings to build our 3D models out of paper and cardboard.

Selecting a Design:

After weighing out all options, we decided to combine our best ideas and came up with a finalized design that best met the mission statement. This design also conserved materials, simplified the build process, and brought the final cost per unit down.

Building a Prototype:

Collectively the class utilized the development of a schematic style drawing of all components using Fusion 360, a design program used by industry professionals.

Building and Finalizing a Prototype:

In collaboration with the school's wood shop, students utilized their design to create a life-sized prototype. 

Prototype Analysis:

The prototype took approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes to build, over the course of 18 class days. Materials that were used included plywood, swivel casters, and a quart of paint, totaling $215 per unit. 

Prototype Presentation:

Students presented their final concept, demonstrating how to set it up and break it down, to the Director of FACE, Ms. Pamela Peterson and the Director of Fine and Performing Arts, Ms. Kristen Johnsen.

PHOTOS | NFA Engineering Students Design and Create Prototype to Solve Real Time Problem

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!