1 Cost varies, depending on upon decoration materials used.

The basic processes involved in manufacturing systems are demonstrated while students produce their own picture frames. They learn about cutting, shaping, assembly, joining and finishing, as well as attention to quality, safety and production quantity.

Several disciplines of engineering are involved in creating factory manufacturing processes, such as producing picture frames. This activity simulates the work that may be done in a factory so that students experience first-hand the basic steps of the manufacturing process. Cutting, shaping, assembly, joining and finishing are the methods used by manufacturing engineers to ensure quality, safety and production goals. assembling assembly basic processes cutting finishing frame joining manufacturing systems picture frame quality control safety shaping To learn and apply the basic processes in manufacturing systems: cutting, shaping, assembling, joining, finishing, quality control and safety. 1 empty cereal box per student decorating materials, such as paint, markers, buttons, beads, glitter, stickers, string, modeling clay, PlayDoh, etc. scissors pencil ruler glue scotch tape paint and brushes an appropriate 3 x 5 inch (7.6 x 12.7 cm) picture (to be framed) What do you do with a photograph of a special friend, a pet or your family? Most likely, you display it in a picture frame so that everyone may enjoy it. Although you may not think about it as you pick just the right picture, the frame you are using was probably made in a factory that uses many manufacturing processes. While designing and creating your own picture frame, you will learn the processes involved in this basic manufacturing system. To fit or put together parts of something. The process by which parts are cut from material to be used in the manufacturing process. The last step in the manufacturing process in which the product is finalized. The process of assembly in which pieces are fastened together. Explain the basic processes of manufacturing systems, for example, cutting, shaping, assembling, joining, finishing, quality control and safety. Discuss the basic processes in manufacturing systems and then brainstorm with students to fit the manufacturing process of a picture frame into to this structure. Also discuss automated systems that reduce the need for human workers and increase product consistency (quality control). Cut out the front and back of the cereal box. This results in four cardboard rectangles - the back, front and two sides (where the nutrition facts are listed). Cut a 6 inch (15.2 cm) x 8 inch (20.3 cm) rectangle from the front of the box. On the side with the print, label this piece part A in one corner. Mark a B in the center of piece A. Now measure a 3 inch (7.6 cm) x 5 inch (12.7 cm) rectangle in the center of the piece you just cut. Cut this piece out, and label it "A" (see Figure 1). From the sides of the box (where nutrition facts are listed), cut another rectangle that is 7 inches (17.8 cm) x 2 inches (5 cm). Label it "B." You now have three separate pieces. Fold rectangle B in two places - 3 inches (7.6 cm) from each end, so that you have a one-inch (2.5 cm) space in the middle (see Figure 2). This piece becomes the picture frame stand. Enhance the frame with decorative accessory materials. Be creative, but school appropriate! Paint the back of the frame, and the other pieces. Wait for the paint to dry. Glue your picture on the cardboard piece, and cut it so that it fits on the piece exactly. Place the cutout with picture into the middle of the frame, where it was originally cut from. If you cut it accurately, it should fit exactly. Use tape on the back or the frame to secure the picture. Glue or tape the middle of the stand (rectangle B) to the middle of the back of your frame so that it leans on the two folded out parts (see Figures 3 and 4). Clean away extra glue or PlayDoh pieces left on the sides. Make sure that the accessories you added are stable and dry. Put some light pressure on your picture frame, it should not break apart. If it does, glue the pieces again and use more tape. Replace any decorations that fall off. Be careful with the scissors. Do not leave any pointed or sharp parts on the frame. Picture Frame Supplement (doc) Picture Frame Supplement (pdf) Depending on the level of the students, the teacher may wish to include the attached instructions, Picture Frame Supplement, for cutting out piece A. What are some ways you could make each step more efficient? What are some ways you could make more frames? Frames of a higher quality? What type of packaging would you need to sell your frames in a store? Remember that they would need to be safely transported to that store from your factory and a warehouse. Where are most of your "cheap" household products manufactured? Why do you think these places are chosen over local manufacturers? What are the different ways you may be able reduce cost of your frames? List some other common products that may be manufactured using a process similar to the method you just used. Picture Frame Rubric (doc) Picture Frame Rubric (pdf) For more advanced students, tell the class that accuracy in length and angle measurements is crucial. Then have students brainstorm and determine methods for making sure that the lengths are measured accurately and all angles are 90 degrees.