TE Activity: Invent a Backscratcher from Everyday Materials
Contributed by: Center for Engineering Education Outreach, Tufts University
Summary |
Engineering Connection |
| When engineers design a product, not only do they need to ensure that it meets the desired function, but that other important aspects of the design for the user are considered. In many cases the product should not just be functional, but it should also be easy or comfortable to use, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Engineers also must take into consideration cost of materials and labor, ensure that it will be durable enough to withstand its intended use, and reduce the amount of material used for the product. |
Contents
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| Grade Level: 1 (K-2) | Group Size: Not defined |
| Time Required: 45 minutes |
Activity Dependency  :None |
Expendable Cost Per Group
:
Not defined |
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| Keywords: backscratcher, sketch, schematic, design | |
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Related Curriculum
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| subject areas | Science and Technology |
Learning Objectives (Return to Contents)
- How to use creativity and everyday materials to build something useful.
- How to utilize designs and sketches in creating a product.
Materials List (Return to Contents)
- Tape
- String
- Cardboard
- Paper towel tubes
- Scissors
- Glue
- Any other materials you wish to use. Students may also bring supplies from home.
Introduction/Motivation (Return to Contents)
Engineers are constantly using their creativity to find solutions to everyday problems. To solve a problem, you must first recognize that the problem exists. For example, have you ever had a pesky itch on your back that you just could not reach? Typically, whenever you have an itch on your body, your first reaction is to scratch it with your fingernails. However, this itch is an unreachable itch and no one is around to scratch it for you. What do you do? As an engineer, you use your creativity and the materials around you to come up with different solutions and design a backscratcher. What types of materials would you want to use for the backscratcher and why?
Vocabulary/Definitions (Return to Contents)
| Sketch: | A rough drawing or plan of an idea. |
| Lever: | A simple machine that utilizes a ridged bar and a fulcrum (pivot point) to raise or move an object. |
Procedure (Return to Contents)
Background
Preparation
- Assemble materials.
- You might want to build a backscratcher as an example to show the students.
- Have students bring in any backscratchers they might have at home to show.
With Students
Class Discussion:
- Ask, Why is it hard to scratch your back?
- Discuss why new products are made and innovations take place. (They solve a problem or fill a need)
- Have students show the backscratchers they brought in.
- Discuss what a backscratcher is and why it is a useful device or tool.
- Talk about formulating an idea and sketching a picture before construction.
- Talk about what makes a good sketch; why are plans/sketches an important step in the design process?
- Talk about there being more than one way to make a backscratcher (bring up different brand names of the same product).
Activity:
- Prepare a station with the materials that the students will use.
- Students may work alone or in pairs.
- Always a good idea to talk about safety, do not eat the glue etc.
- Introduce the activity to the students and allow them to examine the materials and brainstorm for ideas and sketch a design. Have the students explain their sketches to you before they start construction. Tell the students that they may use as many or as little of the materials available. (You may want to have the students explain their sketches to you before they are allowed to begin building).
- Once the students have completed their backscratchers, have the students lay them out on a table so that everyone in the class can see each design. Encourage the students to try out the different backscratchers, but remind them to be respectful of everyone's designs.
- After everyone has tested the designs, the class should decide which of the backscratchers is the most useful and have them explain what features they liked about it.
Investigating Questions (Return to Contents)
- What materials were the best to use for this project?
- What would you have done differently?
- What other materials could have worked?
- What is a good design for a backscratcher?
Assessment (Return to Contents)
Copyright
© 2004 by Worcester Polytechnic Institute including copyrighted works of other educational institutions; all rights reserved.Supporting Program (Return to Contents)
Center for Engineering Education Outreach, Tufts UniversityLast Modified: September 26, 2008