Critical Crayons

Today, we throw away old cell phones, computers and TV’s, but the metals packaged within are scarce in the earth’s crust, difficult to take out of ores and their supply is not secure. To ensure we have enough of these “critical” metals for years to come, it is best if we can recycle these old products. Recycling is all about being able to separate, which is difficult and will always be less than perfect. Electronic waste is very complex and the critical metals are there in small concentrations. Engineers are needed to design better processes to identify and separate the many different components.
In this challenge, pretend crayons are the critical metal and see how much you can sort out and remelt!
Students will separate components efficiently and test the quality of their crayon (after it has cooled).
 A red crayon with a white string dangling from it. The crayon is in between the space of two tables

The student handout will be given to all students working on the design
challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.

Critical Crayons TEK8 Instructor’s Guide

This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.

Telling the Story Video

The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.

Design Challenge Video

The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.

PowerPoint Presentation

The presentation can be used in conjunction or in place of the Design Challenge Video.