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In this activity, learners explore how engineers use scales and measures when designing a manufacturing process to ensure that final products are uniform in weight or count. Learners explore different types of scales, and are challenged to design and build a system to deliver a uniform count or weight of marbles or paperclips into a series of four boxes or jars. They test their systems and evaluate the systems of other teams.
- Under 5 minutes
- 2 to 4 hours
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Student Resource Sheets (page 5 of PDF)
- Student Worksheets (page 6 of PDF)
- Scale (for checking student work)
- Boxes of marbles, paperclips or other items of consistent size and shape
- Wooden dowels
- Plastic bowls or paper cups
- Wire
- Tape
- String
- Canning jars or small empty boxes
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
-
Technology
- Manufacturing
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
-
The Design Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, IEEE,