Motion Marvels

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Rube!

1 / 12

Present

Prompt

Build a Rube Goldberg machine that completes a simple task (such as popping a balloon or turning a page) using a series of at least 5 inventive steps. This project will introduce you to the exciting world of chain reactions and creative problem-solving.

Materials

Basic Supplies: Dominoes, marbles, small balls, toy cars.
Stationery: Paper, tape, string, scissors, rubber bands, paper clips.
Recyclable Materials: Empty bottles, cardboard boxes, tin cans.
Task-Specific Items: Balloons (if popping a balloon), a lightweight book or magazine (if turning a page).
Miscellaneous: Any additional household or classroom items you find creatively useful.

Instructions

Design Phase

Select the simple task your machine will accomplish.
Brainstorm and sketch a detailed plan of your machine, ensuring each step naturally leads to the next.

Assembly

Gather your materials and begin building the machine based on your design. Focus on how each action can trigger the subsequent one.
Continuously test each segment for functionality, making adjustments as needed for smooth operation.

Testing and Final Adjustments

Conduct a full test of your machine, observing how well each part performs its role.
Identify and rectify any sections that do not work as intended, refining your machine for reliability and effectiveness.

Deliverables

A Rube Goldberg machine that successfully performs the chosen task through a series of inventive steps.
A brief slide deck added to the Response tab in this assignment (one per group) that should include:

A descriptive Post Title with the name of your machine and the names of your group members
The simple mechanisms you incorporated
Photos of your Rube Goldberg machine
A brief video demonstrating the machine & mechanics.

Sketching + Concept

Thesis

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Present

Prompt

You will generate initial ideas about their concept in the form of sketches, collaboratively writing a project thesis statement and developing a project name. A project thesis is an important step in starting a collaborative partner project. We will use this time to combine ideas and arrive at the conceptual directions of our project.

Instructions

Settle on 2-3 concepts that encompasses your project design and sketch multiple drawings of each concept.
Share your sketches with the people you are sharing the puzzle with. Give each other feedback and suggest ways you might connect each piece together.
Go through the slides and learn about creating a project thesis. Then, create a project thesis for each idea you might have.
Then, start brainstorming ways to name your different project ideas. Use the tips from the slides to help you decide.
Compile your sketches with their project thesis and titles on a slide show. Then, share with your class.

Deliverables

At the end of this activity, you will have sketches of your different project ideas, a project name and a draft of a project concept thesis sentence. Combine these into a single post and add it to the Responses tab above.

Digital Design

Learning 2D Drawing and 3D Modeling

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Present

Prompt:
You will learn and master Rhino, a powerful tool for both 2D and 3D design. After completing specific exercises and activities, you will create your own monument using Rhino.

Purpose: Through this digital design activity, you'll acquire valuable skills in 2D and 3D design using Rhino, and you'll have the opportunity to showcase your creativity by designing a unique monument. Get ready to bring your digital design ideas to life!

Duration: ~4-5 hrs

Materials: Computer

Instructions

Step 1: Rhino 2D Drawing (Slides and Activity):

Begin by navigating to the Resources tab and access the slides for Rhino 2D Drawing. Follow along with the class as you learn the fundamentals of 2D design in Rhino.
Once you've worked through the slides, download the Rhino file provided and complete the associated 2D drawing activity.

Step 2: Rhino 3D Modeling (Slides and Activity):

Next, move to the Rhino 3D Modeling resources found in the Resources tab. Follow the slides and engage with the class to explore the world of 3D modeling in Rhino.
Download the Rhino file specific to this section and complete the 3D modeling activity.

Step 3: Create Your Own Vehicle:

Now that you've gained a solid foundation in both 2D and 3D design with Rhino, it's time to put your skills to the test. Design your very own mode of transportation that you already have physically created using Rhino (use what you've learned in Steps 1 and 2).
- You can choose to do a 3D visualization of your transportation device/s or create the 2D files to laser cut your design and physically construct it.
Once your design is complete, take a screenshot of your Rhino model. Upload the screenshot along with the Rhino file to the Response tab to share your creation with the class.

Deliverable:

Your final deliverable for this activity is the creation of your own design using Rhino. You should submit the Rhino file and a screenshot of your model in the Response tab.

History of Transportation

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Present

Prompt

Your task is to explore a selected transportation vessel in-depth, understanding its historical context, mechanical principles, and unique features. Following your research, you'll embark on a hands-on prototyping journey to design and create a scaled-down model of the chosen vessel.

Duration: ~3 hrs

Materials: Computer, low-fidelity materials

Instructions

Part 1: Research

Read through the selection of transportation vessels throughout the centuries and select one. Conduct thorough research on your chosen vessel, delving into its historical background, mechanical workings, and notable features. Explore how the vessel has evolved over time and its significance in the context of transportation history.
Analyze the relationship between the selected transportation vessel and its environment or setting. Consider how factors such as geography, culture, and technology have influenced its design and operation.
Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation vessel. Identify what makes it remarkable and areas where improvements could be made.

Part 2: Prototyping

Using your research insights as a guide, design and prototype a scaled-down model of the selected transportation vessel. Consider key aspects such as materials, propulsion systems, and structural design in your prototype.

Deliverables

Slides: Present your findings in a visually engaging format, incorporating images, diagrams, and descriptive text.
A prototype of the transportation vessel, showcasing your understanding of its design principles and functionality.

TECHNICAL

DIAGRAMMING WORKSHOP

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Present

Prompt

Designers represent their ideas through many different means: drawings, photographs, renderings, scale models, prototypes, and more. Each method presents specific advantages for highlighting different aspects of the concept and proposed execution.

In this assignment, we will learn about different types of diagrams, and how we can use each one to further communicate the ideas of your project.

Review the presentation above to learn about the types of diagrams used by designers to communicate their ideas. Then you will create a Technical Diagram. As you create your diagram, consider how each one will highlight a different aspect of your idea. These diagrams should be useful tools for others to understand your idea.

Keep in mind that these diagrams will be shared in your final presentation, so take care to make them clean and easily understandable.

Duration: ~2 hrs

Instructions

Part 1: Project Direction

Choose one project idea to move forwards with. Discuss with the people next to your puzzle piece and choose one project concept.

Part 2: Draw a Technical Diagram

Look back at examples in the slides above. Notice how these examples deconstruct the object to show the individual elements.
Deconstruct or take apart your final project into multiple components. Try to highlight visually, how the project is put together to perform its functions.

Deliverables

Submit your Technical Diagram/s in the Responses tab above.

Brainstorming

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Present

Prompt

The goal of brainstorming is to create a generative list of ideas for potential projects you can continue exploring. Our mission in this studio is to construct an innovative form of transport that functions with neighboring pieces to forge a cohesive urban tapestry. Think specifically about what kind of mechanisms you want to deploy in your piece of the puzzle and what is inspiring your transportation device.

You will imagine the systems and infrastructure that will change the way people move and then design new modes of transportation based on your wildest imagination.

Duration: ~2 hrs

Instructions

Review the Brainstorming deck below to get started with the brainstorming process, and think back to all of your discussions, precedent analysis, and field research thus far.

Part 1: Individual Brainstorm

Individually, come up with 10 (or more!) ideas for futuristic methods of transit. Explore the precedent research you've done to inspire ideas. Consider transportation for individuals (or animals!). Think outside of the box. This is the time to engage in wild ideas!

Try to think of 3 ideas for each of the following categories:

Nature/Plants
Animals
A game/playful idea
Nature

Part 2: Partner Brainstorm

The initial list from Part 1 is going to seed the rest of your brainstorming process and facilitate the idea-generation process.

Your task is to narrow your list down to 5 project ideas to share with a partner. Let your partner know which of their ideas you think are particularly exciting. Feel free to come up with a few new ideas once you hear about your partner's ideas. Maybe something new occurs to you now. Run with it!

After you rapidly share with one another, sketch 2-3 of your favorite ideas. Remember to add which mechanisms you would like to add to your designs and how you wish to connect your transportation puzzle to someone else's.

Part 3: Whiteboard Brainstorm!

Now it's your time to shine. Share 2-3 of your favorite ideas with the class. Your teacher will facilitate a group discussion around ideas using the whiteboard. They will help to categorize ideas in clusters based on similarity.

Note: At this stage of the design process, brainstorming project ideas are shared amongst everyone - no matter who had the idea initially.

Deliverable

At the end of the Collective Brainstorming exercise, you will inform your teacher of three ideas you would be most excited to pursue.

Note: Your teachers will create the puzzle of which student fits next to who. Moving forward, you will be working alongside those who are building their transportation puzzle piece next to yours. Even though your piece is yours, remember to always consult with those that will surround you so that the environment works cohesively.

1 / 6

Present

Imagine a dynamic mosaic where each student's creation forms a vital segment of a larger transportation network. In this studio, we will embark on a collaborative journey to create an interactive puzzle that represents an interconnected urban transportation network. Each student's creation will form a vital segment of this larger network, where the edge of their canvas seamlessly blends into the beginning of another's, ensuring continuous motion and fluidity.

Students delve into the intricacies of their chosen transportation mode, whether it's futuristic vehicles powered by renewable energy or kinetic infrastructure that transforms sidewalks into energy generators. The challenge lies not only in crafting functional designs but in harmonizing them with neighboring pieces to forge a cohesive urban tapestry.

INFORMATIONAL

STORY

USE

DIAGRAMMING WORKSHOP

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Present

Prompt

You have learned about diagramming in a previous activity and you created a Technical Diagram. Now, you will have a chance to create an informational, story, or use diagram, depending on what your project needs.

Duration: ~1-2 hrs

Instructions

Draw an Informational, Story, or Use Diagram

Talk with the person next to you to decide what diagram is most beneficial for your project.
Look back at examples of your type of diagram in the slides above.
After you have chose which diagram to do, follow the examples in the slides to create your own.

Deliverables

Submit your Diagram/s in the Responses tab above.

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Present

1 / 11

Present

Motion Marvels

Don't Be Rube!

Concept Thesis

Digital Design

History of Transportation

Diagramming Workshop

Brainstorming

Urban Motion Marvels

Diagramming Workshop

Diagramming

Diagramming

Or