As a community, we discussed time management as not only a life skill but a group skill. We talked about ways to break up big projects and why having clearly defined roles and tasks is important, making sure there are checkpoints along the way, and when to ask for help. We also explored how to handle a project when everyone is interested in the same kind of work, or worse, there are tasks no one wants to complete. We talked about how compromise can help sort out the work and build consensus. These strategies were certainly put to the test today!

We learned about biomechanical engineering and created two grabber devices. We then tested each with objects of various sizes, weights, densities, and textures and recorded our data to objectively compare and contrast. We learned the rigid claw worked better on heavier, dense objects, but we struggled with lighter, less dense objects.

Next, each team was challenged to plan, build, program, test, and iterate a prosthesis using the engineering design process. Workgroups were asked to create a client, assign that client a profession, and make a list of tasks they may need to perform. Then, they set to work making design changes applying what they learned throughout the week. Finally, they were asked to create a compelling sales presentation to pitch their improved prosthesis to potential “investors” (classmates). We had some clever projects to help bakers, construction workers, pizza chefs, surgeons, dentists, computer programmers, public servants, and masseurs.

Dinner table questions:

Best wishes to all of our SAVY students! Keep building, coding, and exploring.  Good luck with future group projects, and use those strategies!