Rearrange & Revamp: Boosting Object Functionality

High School Grade

Project
1 week

Rearrange & Revamp: Boosting Object Functionality

Daniel B

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage you in the process of rearranging elements within a common object or system to enhance its functionality across various environments. Through rapid prototyping and iterative testing, you will develop problem-solving skills and adaptability strategies. By creating a video presentation of your redesign process, you'll demonstrate your ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. This project encourages you to critically reflect on the effectiveness of your adaptations and consider how they can be improved.

Learning goals

Develop skills in rapid prototyping and iterative design to address real-world challenges. Enhance problem-solving abilities by re-arranging elements of common objects to improve functionality in diverse environments. Cultivate adaptability through hands-on experimentation and reflection on the effectiveness of design changes. Strengthen communication skills by creating a video presentation that articulates your redesign process and strategies.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Throughout this project, you'll create a series of rapid prototypes using materials like cardboard, paper, or recycled items to test your rearrangement concepts for better functionality. By the end, you'll produce a video presentation that showcases your final rearranged design, detailing the problem-solving techniques and adaptability strategies you employed. Additionally, you'll compile a reflection journal documenting the effectiveness of each rearrangement and the insights gained during the process.

Launch

Begin your project with a "Rearrangement Challenge" where you select a set of items from a mystery box and brainstorm ways to rearrange them to enhance their functionality in a given scenario. Work in small groups to quickly sketch and discuss your initial ideas, focusing on identifying potential problems and opportunities for improved organization and efficiency. This activity sets the stage for practicing rapid prototyping and prepares you to tackle the essential question of redesigning for functionality across different settings.

Exhibition

Facilitate a gallery walk where you showcase your re-arranged designs, allowing peers to interact with and test the improved functionality of each setup. Use this opportunity to gather feedback on how well your re-arrangements adapt to different needs and environments. Document insights from the feedback to refine your final video presentation. Engage in a Q&A session to discuss the problem-solving steps and adaptability strategies you employed during the project. Celebrate the creative solutions and adaptability demonstrated throughout the project.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Participate in the 'Rearrangement Challenge' where you select a set of items from a mystery box. Work in small groups to brainstorm and sketch ways to rearrange these elements to improve functionality in a specified scenario. Focus on identifying potential problems and opportunities for better organization and efficiency.	Day 2: Begin rapid prototyping using materials like cardboard, paper, or recycled items. Create a basic prototype of your rearranged setup, test its functionality, and make initial adjustments.	Day 3: Refine your prototype based on testing feedback. Explore different scenarios where your arrangement could be applied, and make necessary adjustments to enhance functionality.	Day 4: Continue iterative testing in various settings. Document the problem-solving techniques and adaptability strategies you employ, noting successful approaches and areas needing further refinement.	Day 5: Compile a reflection journal entry summarizing the effectiveness of your rearrangements and the insights gained during the process. Plan the structure and content of your video presentation, outlining the key points you will cover.
Deliverables	1. A series of rapid prototypes demonstrating your rearrangement concepts. 2. A reflection journal documenting the effectiveness of each rearrangement and insights gained. 3. An outline or storyboard for your video presentation detailing your process and strategies.
Preparation