Mechanisms used in space and medical applications are often difficult to transport due the nature of powerful forces during space travel and tight quarters in the human body. Engineers solve this by designing structures which can be folded into a smaller shape during transportation and then actuated to their full size upon reaching their destination. These are referred to as deployable structure, possessing a stowed state occupying a minimum size and a deployed state in which it can perform its intended function.
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.
Design or Treat TEK8 Facilitator’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.
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.
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.