Dispenser Designs

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In this activity, learners explore how engineers work in a team to solve problems. Learners investigate how materials, costs, and user needs must be weighed when designing a product, and also how the same product may be redesigned over time as materials, costs, or needs change. Teams evaluate current designs and develop a new design for a handheld tape dispenser that can be easily operated by a person who has limited strength and only has the use of one hand. Learners develop drawings, execute their dispenser design using everyday materials, and evaluate the strategies employed by other teams.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Example of handheld tape dispenser
  • Rolls of cellophane tape
  • Cardboard (sheets, rolls from used paper towel or toilet paper roll)
  • Scissors
  • Cutting strips from roll of foil or plastic wrap
  • Triangle plastic pieces
  • Tape
  • Paper clips
  • String
  • Wire
  • Glue
  • Popsicle sticks

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Ethics
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • 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,