Marble Challenge

1) Identify the Problem- The marble has to travel for twenty-five seconds or greater.

2) Gather Information- If we use cardboard, it will slow down the time but by using the folder, it will increase the time the marble travels.

3) Generate Possible Solutions- By testing different possible designs, we can generate a solution as to how the marble will travel for the twenty-five seconds.

4) Select the best Solution- We had two main solutions and tested both of them. One was a zig-zag structure but as we tested it, the cardboard became too flimsy and our second structure was to build the zig-zag in a base that would support it, and that was our end product because we knew we had found our perfect structure.

5) Implement Selected Solution- (Turned in)

6) Evaluate- As we tested our structure, we came to conclusion that the marble only traveled 17 seconds but our design was successful in my opinion because the marble had potential to go the full 25 or even longer with a few tweaks. It could’ve ended differently but unfortunately, we did not solve the problem.

A) The positives I took away from this project were that our design actually worked the way we planned. Through the building process and testing it, everything came out the way we hoped and although the marble didn’t travel the full twenty-five seconds, we were successful and positive on the design and structure.

B) The negatives I took away from this project were that the marble didn’t travel the full twenty-five seconds. We wasted the first 2 work days testing one possible structure that failed and luckily, we were able to bounce back with our back up plan and finish our project on time. We failed on the time, we failed on our fist idea, we had failures but we had positives to correct those and that’s why we made it by the deadline.

C) Identifying the problem is definitely the one process we didn’t spend enough time on. I feel like we could’ve had a way different outcome if we would’ve actually took the time to execute the process instead of jumping the gun and because of this, the marble didn’t travel the full twenty-five seconds. By skipping this step, it left us with many difficulties that resulted on us failing the time frame that the marble was supposed to travel.

D) We had many challenges during the construction. We used the first couple work days building a failing structure that we didn’t realize until we had it all ready to be built. Saying that, we were left with only 3 days to start over with our back up plan and try to execute the design and structure. We changed everything and started over again and this time, we were able to make our project work and travel the marble even though it didn’t make the time requirement. By making a stable base, we were successful the second time through.

E) If we were given more time, I would’ve made a more complex design and structure so that the marble could’ve traveled longer than twenty-five seconds. Time is key when it comes to this project and better yet, the design is what makes this whole project. If your design isn’t there, then you don’t have a project. I would’ve added more features to make it look more unique and travel the marble in fashion. There are many things I would have done if time was a variable.

F) If we were given a second opportunity to attempt this project again, something I would do differently is use all of my space that wasn’t used the first time. All the empty space that wasn’t used could’ve added more time the marble traveled. Another thing I would do differently is add more features so that it looked presentable. I would use all the time given to me appropriately and not rush right into building and constructing it. There are many things I would’ve done differently if we were given another time through.

G) I learned time, resources, and design are key to a successful project. In this class or any other class or even out of school, I learned that I need to stop taking advantage of all those. I learned to have a successful project that I need to work harder than I did and use all the resources that are available to me. There are many things I can take away from this project and learn from so next time I know what to do right and not wrong.