Report Cards: Engineering Class

Recently the class has gotten their report cards however, I haven't yet received mine so I decided to evaluate my "active grade" grades. I believe I've worked to the full extent that I can in Engineering Class. I've completed all of my assignments and have worked to the best of my abilities. I've actually studied for tests and have put a lot of time and effort into these blogs. Nevertheless, their are quite a few things I can improve on this marking period, seeing as I do have a few 3's. I can improve my skills on the design process and defining the problem. I can do so by simply working on constructing the coaster car and physically going through each step in the design process. I've received a three on "organization" for binder check because I haven't been putting the dates on handouts; this marking period I've ensured that I do so. I have also gotten a three for presentation because I wasn't making eye contact with the audience. I believe I can correct this by running through my presentation a day prior to the actual presentation, ensuring I understand the design and am able to explain it in 30-45 seconds. Overall, I believe I did well on my report card, seeing as we're only in the first marking period. My goal is to improve and keep my grades steady.

Next Time I do an Elevator Pitch I will...

Basically an elevator pitch is a "concise presentation of an object or idea covering all of the aspects of the product." It has to be delivered in a limited time, typically a few seconds, thus the title "elevator pitch" seeing as an elevator ride is only a few seconds long. We were asked to create an elevator pitch for our coaster car design and explain it thoroughly in 30-45 seconds. Overall I think I did a moderate job of presenting my design, however their are many things I could improve on. For one, I didn't make enough eye contact with the audience and I had looked at my design far too much, relying on it more than I should have. I should've included an intro to catch the readers eyes. My presentation was 48 seconds, which was too long for the average elevator pitch, which should be no longer that 30-45 seconds. I suppose I should have been more prepared and ready to present. Next time to improve on my elevator pitch the day prior to the presentation I will run through my presentation and time myself. This will make sure I don't go over 45 seconds, while also making sure I explain my design thoroughly. Next time, while following the guidelines I'm sure my presentation will go a lot more smoothly.

Unpowered Coaster Car!

In engineer class we were asked to present an "elevator pitch" for our unpowered coaster cars. I chose to design a simple light weight coaster car because I felt it'd be more efficient. As the chassis, I decided to use a foam container that is often given to an individual after ordering chinese take out. I felt this was best because it'd be light weight and wouldn't weigh the wheels down, perhaps giving it more velocity. I felt using straws for the bearings would be best because it's secure and it isn't costly. It'd enable the wheels from falling off, stabilizing the car. Each one of these parts are significant because if one was missing, the entire car would be defected and would be unable to reach the objective, which is rolling down the ramp. I believe placing two CD's on each side of the coaster car would be the most efficient position because it'd be well stabilized on both sides. Keeping the design simple is essential; as long as the constraints and criteria's are met and the coaster car is able to roll down the ramp securely the design is fine, there's no need to complicate things.

Engineers are simply everywhere!

Engineers can be found anywhere; in fact we indeed are somewhat engineers. We take part in the "Engineer process" whether we're cooking or creating something. The engineer process is essential when creating an efficient and economical product, design, or recipe. Engineers are key to our everyday lives. They work on railroads, sewage systems, dams, power plants, airports, canals, tunnels, and many other key facilities to our society. They work day to day to reach the criteria and constraints of a product or design and perfect it. It's a difficult job and you must be dedicated to withhold it. Of course, hard work does come with its rewards. Engineers make a decent amount of money averagely waged from around eighty to ninety thousand dollars yearly! Engineers are highly sophisticated, creative, and devoted individuals. After all, “scientists dream about doing great things, engineers do them!”