And the Award Goes to…
Figure 1. The Nobel Prize medalCopyright 2008 David Monniaux, (CC BY-SA 3.0) Wikimedia Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nobel_medal.png
Who was Alfred Nobel, why is a prize named after him, and why they are given out? In this activity, students learn about this prestigious award and the types of people who receive them. Students then design and create a structure that can hold and display the Nobel Prize (or a medal similar in weight (200 g) and diameter (66 mm). Students research the specifications of the Nobel Prize and then research different materials engineers might use to build a structure like this. Students act as engineers as they test and re-test different types of structures to determine which one displays the medal the best. Findings are shared with each other via group presentations.
Structural engineering, which is a specialty within civil engineering, involves the analysis and design of safe structures to be used by the public. Normally, structural engineers are used when designing large things such as machines, cars, medical equipment, buildings, and bridges, but the same concepts apply when designing a structure to hold a delicate award, such as a Nobel Prize. Structural engineers must ensure their designs meet codes, or constraints.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Test a variety of materials to determine which provides a sturdy structure that displays an item.
- Think and outline design iteration suggestions.
- Present their knowledge and findings to the class.