Prompt
In this sprint, you will create an interactive mosaic representing an interconnected urban transportation network, with each piece designed to seamlessly connect with others. This project aims to help you understand the complexities of urban transportation and the importance of cohesive design in real-world planning.
Duration: ~3-4 hours
- Cardboard and Mechanisms: 30 minutes
- Individual Ideation and Group Sharing: 30 min
- Quick Prototyping: ~45 min
- Finalizing Prototype: ~1 hr
- Class Mosaic Creation: 30 min
- Reflection: 15 minutes
Materials
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Markers/Pens
- Marbles
Instructions
Step 1: Cardboard and Mechanisms
- Review the presentations on cardboard manipulation techniques and the mechanisms skill lab in the Toolbox.
- Pay close attention to the demonstrations and explanations of each method.
- Select 3 techniques and mechanisms from the presentation to recreate.
- Share your prototypes with the class, explaining the steps involved in each technique and any observations or lessons learned during the process.
Step 2: Brainstorming
- Individually create a list of 5 different ways to create different paths of mechanisms that transport a marble from Point A to Point B.
- Consider how your puzzle piece will connect with the pieces next to yours.
- Share your ideas and sketches with the people next to your puzzle piece.
- Identify the elements of each idea that you find exciting and compelling.
- Finalize three sketches to prototype in the next step, ensuring all pieces connect seamlessly.
Step 3: Quick Prototyping
- Begin prototyping your three sketches using materials such as paper, tape, and cardboard.
- Your prototypes should be sketchy and not finalized.
- Share your prototypes with the peers next to your puzzle piece to test if the marble moves swiftly from one end to the other.
- Provide and receive feedback.
- Choose one concept to create your final prototype. You may combine two concepts into one if it improves the design.
Step 4: Final Prototyping
- Decide on the building mechanisms and simple machines you will use.
- Apply what you learned from the presentations in the Toolbox for cardboard techniques and construction ideas.
- Conduct additional research if needed.
- Create your final prototype, focusing on cleaner cuts and connections.
Step 5: Class Mosaic Creation
- Combine all the puzzle pieces from every student to create the class mosaic.
- Test the marble flow from start to finish.
- Iterate on your prototype based on the test results. You may need to tweak heights or make adjustments for smoother transitions.
Step 6: Reflection
- Reflect on the challenges you encountered and how you confronted them.
- Describe your experience with collaboration in this challenge and compare it to other projects.
- Identify new prototyping skills you learned and which ones you found most helpful.
Deliverables
- Individual Prototypes: Three initial prototype sketches using selected techniques.
- Final Prototype: One refined prototype integrated into the class mosaic.
- Class Mosaic: A collaborative interactive mosaic with all student pieces connected, demonstrating a continuous marble path.