Mrs. Hunsucker - Technology

8th Grade Home Project
Due: February 27th

This quarter's home project is to research and build a working model Crane 
Be sure to use a systems diagram as you plan this Crane. Turn in a
short, neat explanation of how your system works with the Crane.

Do you remember what the 4 steps of a system are? (IPOF)
1) Input
2) Process
3) Output
4) Feedback

Be sure to use the Design Process as you plan this Crane. Turn in a short, neat explanation of how you used the Design Process.

Do you remember what the 7 Steps of the Design Process are?
1) Define the problem ---- What are you going to create?
2) Gather Information ---How will you do it? What will you need?
3) Develop possible solutions---ideas,ideas,ideas...write them down.
4) Model a solution ---here you go!
5) Test and evaluate the solution
6) Refine the solution ---make it work, make it look great.
7) Communicate the idea ----turn it in and explain how it works.

Write a short neat explanation of any problems you may have encountered while designing and building this crane. How did you fix this issue. What are you most proud of with your project? Why?

Your paper needs to include: (in any order)
1) how your system works
2) how you used the design process
3) researched history on  Cranes
4) experience while designing and building

Criteria -
You need to follow the instructions for creating this crane.
Must be working. If it breaks on the way to school...so will your grade.

Constraints -
You may NOT use a PURCHASED KIT or PRODUCT. 
No larger than instructions state.

Due Date: February 27th 2012.  Projects and written explanations may be turned in early as long as they are turned in together.
If absent on due date please have someone deliver it to my class on the due date.
Late projects will be deducted by 10 possible points each day. No excuses will be accepted.

Materials (per crane)
•cardboard box (shoebox size or bigger)
•3 strips of corrugated cardboard (2 x 11 inches/5 x 28 cm)
•paper clip
•large paper cup
•3 sharpened pencils
•scissors
•smooth string (e.g., fishing line or kite string)
•tape
•weights (e.g., batteries, pennies, marbles, or gravel) (We will provide this at school for competition)

You Are Challenged To...
... design and build a crane and see how heavy a load it can lift.

Brainstorm and Design
Think about things that might affect how heavy a load your crane can lift.
• How will you keep the crane's arm from breaking off the box as it lifts a load?
• How will you stop a heavy load from pulling the arm to the left or right?
• How will you wind and unwind the cable so the hook can go up and down?

Build
1. First, make the arm. The arm holds the string up and away from the crane's body. Use one, two, or all three cardboard strips to design your arm. Then attach it to the box.
2. Next, make a take-up reel. Figure out how to make a take-up reel that lets you shorten and lengthen the cable. (Optional: add a crank to turn the take-up reel.)
3 .Finally, add the string, hook, and cup. Run the string through the arm. Attach it to the take-up reel and hook. Poke holes in each side of the cup near the rim. Make a handle for the cup and slip it onto the hook.

Test, Evaluate, and Redesign
Ready to test? Add weight to the cup. What's your crane's breaking point? Engineers improve their designs by testing them. The steps they follow are called the design process. Try some ideas and build an improved version. If:

•the load rips the arm off the box—Reinforce how it attaches. Add cardboard supports. Or cut slits in the box to hold the arm. Also, add tape to the top and underside of the box.
•the arm crumples—Start over with new cardboard. Also, use several pieces of cardboard for an arm, either all together or spaced apart.
•the load pulls the arm to the side—Use extra cardboard or string to add support.
•the crank handle bends or slips—If it slips, tape it or attach it more firmly. If it bends, reinforce it.