12th Grade
Project
5 weeks
Basketball Build: Engineering a Wooden Hoop
Riley Quinajon
1-pager
Purpose
Embark on an exciting journey to explore the engineering principles and materials science considerations necessary for crafting a durable and safe wooden basketball hoop. Over the course of five weeks, dedicate 4.5 hours each day to independently design and construct a hoop that not only meets safety standards but also withstands the rigors of enthusiastic play. Collaborate with a local community center that hosts youth basketball programs to test your creation. Gather valuable feedback on its performance and safety, and use this insight to refine your design. This project will challenge you to apply your knowledge of engineering and materials science in a practical, impactful way, ultimately contributing to the community's recreational resources.
Learning goals
In this project, you will explore the engineering principles and materials science considerations necessary to design and construct a durable and safe wooden basketball hoop. You will delve into the properties of different types of wood, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for outdoor use. Additionally, you will learn about structural integrity, load-bearing capacities, and safety standards to ensure the hoop can withstand regular use. By collaborating with a community center that offers youth basketball programs, you will have the opportunity to test your hoop and gather valuable feedback on its performance and safety. This hands-on experience will enhance your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of how engineering and materials science intersect in real-world applications.
Standards
- 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.
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics to solve problems related to the structural integrity and safety of the basketball hoop.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
Products
Design and construct a durable and safe wooden basketball hoop by applying engineering principles and materials science considerations. Collaborate with a community center offering youth basketball programs to test the hoop. Gather feedback on its performance and safety to refine your design.
Launch
Kick off your project by visiting a local community center that hosts youth basketball programs. Observe a game and take note of the current basketball hoops in use. Engage with players and coaches to gather initial thoughts on what makes a basketball hoop durable and safe. This firsthand experience will provide valuable insights and inspiration as you embark on designing and building your own wooden basketball hoop.
Exhibition
At the end of this project, organize a showcase event at the community center where you partnered. Invite community members, youth basketball program participants, and their families to witness the unveiling of your wooden basketball hoop. Prepare a short presentation to explain the engineering principles and materials science considerations you applied. Additionally, facilitate a demonstration game or skill session using the hoop, allowing attendees to see its performance and safety in action. This will provide a platform for real-time feedback and celebrate your hard work and innovation.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Day 1: Project Kick-off Meeting - Discuss project objectives, timeline, and expectations. Introduce the project purpose and learning goals.
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Day 2: Background Research - Explore engineering principles related to load distribution and tension. Research materials science focusing on wooden structures.
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Day 3: Mini Hoop Challenge Planning - Design simple prototypes of mini basketball hoops, considering stability and safety. Plan materials and tools needed.
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Day 4: Mini Hoop Construction - Build mini basketball hoop prototypes using different designs and materials. Test stability and load distribution.
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Day 5: Feedback and Reflection - Invite friends/family to test mini hoops. Gather feedback and document insights in a journal. Reflect on learnings and challenges faced.
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| Deliverables |
1. Project Kick-off Meeting Notes
2. Research Summary on Engineering Principles and Materials Science 3. Mini Hoop Prototype Designs and Material List 4. Completed Mini Hoops 5. Journal Entry Reflecting on Mini Hoop Challenge and Feedback |
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| Preparation | |||||
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Day 1: Analysis and Iteration - Review feedback from mini hoop tests. Identify key insights and areas for improvement in design and materials.
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Day 2: Advanced Research - Dive deeper into structural engineering concepts, focusing on load distribution and tension. Explore sustainable materials suitable for a full-sized hoop.
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Day 3: Full-Sized Hoop Design - Begin drafting designs for the full-sized wooden basketball hoop. Consider engineering principles and feedback from mini hoop tests.
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Day 4: Material Selection - Choose appropriate sustainable materials for the full-sized hoop. Document reasons for choices, considering durability and safety.
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Day 5: Design Review and Feedback Session - Present initial designs and material choices to peers or mentors. Gather constructive feedback and make necessary adjustments to the design.
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| Deliverables |
1. Feedback Analysis Report from Mini Hoop Tests
2. Advanced Research Summary on Structural Engineering and Sustainable Materials 3. Initial Full-Sized Hoop Design Sketches 4. Material Selection Justification Document 5. Design Review Feedback and Revised Sketches |
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| Preparation | |||||
| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Day 1: Construction Planning - Develop a detailed construction plan for the full-sized wooden basketball hoop. Identify necessary tools, allocate tasks, and set a timeline.
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Day 2: Safety and Stability Analysis - Conduct a thorough analysis of the hoop design focusing on safety and stability. Ensure compliance with engineering standards and best practices.
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Day 3: Material Procurement - Source and acquire all necessary sustainable materials and tools required for the construction of the full-sized hoop.
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Day 4: Construction Day 1 - Begin constructing the base and support structure of the basketball hoop, focusing on the foundation and stability aspects.
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Day 5: Construction Day 2 - Continue constructing the hoop, assembling the backboard and rim. Ensure all components are securely attached and stable.
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| Deliverables |
1. Detailed Construction Plan Document
2. Safety and Stability Analysis Report 3. Material Procurement List 4. Partially Constructed Basketball Hoop (Base and Support Structure) |
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| Preparation | |||||
| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Day 1: Construction Day 3 - Finalize the assembly of the wooden basketball hoop. Focus on ensuring all components are properly aligned and securely fastened.
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Day 2: Initial Testing and Adjustments - Conduct initial tests on the hoop. Check for stability, load distribution, and tension. Make necessary adjustments to improve performance.
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Day 3: Safety Inspection - Perform a thorough safety inspection, verifying that all structural components meet safety standards and guidelines.
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Day 4: Community Center Setup - Transport the completed hoop to the local community center. Collaborate with staff to set up the hoop for testing with youth basketball programs.
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Day 5: User Testing and Feedback Collection - Observe community center youth as they use the hoop. Gather feedback on performance and safety. Document insights and suggestions for further improvements.
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| Deliverables |
1. Finalized Wooden Basketball Hoop
2. Initial Testing and Adjustment Report 3. Safety Inspection Report 4. User Feedback Collection Document |
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| Preparation | |||||
| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Day 1: Feedback Analysis - Review and analyze feedback from the community center testing. Identify key areas for improvement in design, materials, or construction.
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Day 2: Final Adjustments - Make any necessary adjustments or enhancements to the basketball hoop based on feedback. Ensure all changes maintain safety standards.
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Day 3: Report Writing - Begin drafting the detailed written report. Include sketches, material choices, testing processes, and insights from feedback.
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Day 4: Final Report Completion - Complete the written report, ensuring it clearly conveys engineering principles and materials science concepts.
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Day 5: Design and Dunk Fair Preparation - Organize the setup for the 'Design and Dunk Fair.' Prepare interactive sessions and materials to engage the community and demonstrate the project's engineering aspects.
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| Deliverables |
1. Feedback Analysis Summary
2. Final Adjustments Documentation 3. Completed Detailed Written Report 4. Design and Dunk Fair Setup Plan |
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| Preparation | |||||