As global warming becomes a bigger problem, renewable sources of energy are becoming more important. One promising source of renewable energy is ocean waves, whose energy can be converted into electricity using Wave Energy Converter Buoys. However, these buoys are expensive to make and do not survive storms well. Ohio State researchers are developing a Wave Energy Converter Buoy that does survive storms. The design challenge will be to stabilize a buoy so that it can survive rough waves.
Storm-Worthy Buoys TEK8 Student Handout
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.
Storm-Worthy Buoys TEK8 Facilitator 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.