General Information |
Problem Statement |
Design Review and Judging Process |
Resources
Coach Guidelines
Specific expertise in engineering principles and content is not required to be an NEDC coach. The coach should act as a facilitator and provide guidance to the team. The NEDC may be incorporated into your school or classroom curriculum, party of an extra-curricular activity or club, or may be the work of a group of students that just want to learn more about engineering.
Recruitment
- Form your team early in the school year as the first deadline is October 26th!
- Announce the formation of the NEDC team at faculty and PTA meetings; give an example of the problem and the types of students who should be encouraged to apply.
- Seek out individual students who may benefit from the program.
- Ask colleagues to recommend students who may be interested.
- Place an ad in your school newspaper.
- Hang the NEDC poster or flier on your school bulletin board. Go to www.jets.org/nedc to download a flier or poster.
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Rules
- All teams must have one adult who will function as a coach for the team.
- An individual may participate as a coach for one or more teams.
- The coach may be a high school faculty member or other qualified person appointed by the school or group.
- The coach must be prepared to chaperone the team if the team is selected to attend the finals competition.
- The coach must be 21 years of age by August 31, 2008.
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Responsibilities
- Create a schedule and communicate to the team.
- Assign tasks to each team member.
- Define what is involved in the competition.
- Define tasks.
- Clarify roles.
- Work with the team members to set ground rules. Post rules for working together, safety etc.
- Ask students their expectations.
- Find technical mentor if desired.
- Create a list of goals and objectives.
- Facilitate brainstorming sessions.
- Suggest research resources and opportunities.
- Facilitate community outreach.
- Help locate materials.
- Help with fundraising and budgeting.
- Establish a positive work environment.
- Attend and supervise all meetings.
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The Engineering Design Process
Explanation of EDP Steps
- Identify the need or problem.
- Research the need or problem. Examine current state of the issue and current solutions Explore other options via the internet, library, interviews, etc.
- Develop possible solution(s) Brainstorm possible solutions Draw on mathematics and science Articulate the possible solutions in two and three dimensions Refine the possible solutions.
- Select the best possible solution(s) Determine which solution(s) best meet(s) the original requirements.
- Construct a prototype Model the selected solution(s) in two and three dimensions.
- Test and evaluate the solution(s) Does it work? Does it meet the original design constraints?
- Communicate the solution(s) Make an engineering presentation that includes a discussion of how the solution(s) best meet(s) the needs of the initial problem, opportunity, or need Discuss societal impact and tradeoffs of the solution(s).
- Redesign. Overhaul the solution(s) based on information gathered during the tests and presentation.
Massachusetts Department of Education, Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks - Spring 2006
Guidelines for Your Final Report
The report should follow the format of a journal article. Please use the following guidelines to produce your final report.
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Abstract. Write an abstract of 150-175 words. An abstract should not contain jargon, but should be written in plain language and include a summary of the key conclusions. Please include: the purpose of the work; the scope of the effort; the procedures used to execute the work; and the major findings.
Title. Make sure the title is not more than 100 characters long including spaces between words.
Body Headings. Use the Steps of the Engineering design process. P. xx
Length. The report should be between 8 and 15 pages.
Typescript. Manuscript type should be no smaller than 10 points, SINGLE-SPACED (10 mm baseline to baseline).
Gender-Specific Words. Avoid "he," "she," "his," "her," and "hers." Use words such as "author," "discusser," "engineer," and "researcher."
Header, Footer and Page Numbers. Please add header to all pages (except first page) with the Device Name and Team Name. Please add pages numbers to bottom center of each page.
Charts, Diagrams and Photos. It is preferred that all charts, graphs, diagrams, or pictures be labeled and embedded into the text of the document. Lastly, reference all graphics and tables in the body of the text.
Sketches. Dimensioned sketches of teams' prototype are required. They can be done by hand and scanned; however, it is preferred if they are created in a CAD package or in Word (using the drawing tools).
Conclusions. Write a set of conclusions, or a summary and conclusion, in which the significant implications of the information presented in the body of the manuscript are reviewed.
Acknowledgments. Include an acknowledgments section to recognize any advisory or financial help you received.
Appendixes. Use appendixes to record details and data that are of secondary importance or that are needed to support assertions in the text. Make sure the text contains references to all appendixes.
References. To cite sources in the text, use the author-date method; list the last names of the authors, then the year. References should be formatted according to Turabian Style, APA http://apastyle.apa.org/ or other standard publication style. The formats are as follows: one author—(Smith 2004); two authors— (Smith and Jones 2004); three or more authors— (Smith et al. 2004). Prepare a reference section listing all references alphabetically by last name of the first author. For anonymous reports and standards, alphabetize by the issuing institution. Double-space the reference section. |
Team Organization
Effective team building is required for good team management. We recommend that each team member be assigned a specific task or tasks. Jobs may be rotated throughout the team as the team progresses. The following are suggested team positions:
Student Leaders — The Student Leaders are responsible for creating an agenda for all meetings and running the meetings in an orderly fashion. Two Student Leaders are recommended per team. The position may be rotated in some cases, but it is not advisable to change this role often. Student Leaders may make decisions regarding team resources but, it is recommended that bigger decisions are made with a vote. Student Leaders may be the liaisons to the teacher.
Financial Coordinator — This student is in charge of keeping accurate records of expenses and compiling the expense report.
Community Relations Coordinator — This student is responsible for contacting businesses, non profits etc.
Documentation and Presentation Coordinator — This student will oversee all aspects of documentation and presentation.
Safety Captain — This student will enforce and record safety rules.
Fundraising
Although there is no cost to participate in the NEDC, the construction of the prototype device in Round II can incur a significant cost. Not all teams will receive a scholarship to build their prototype. Below are some other options for raising funds:
- Look for a company in your community to sponsor your team. Your team can offer to recognize the company in some way.
- Find a company to donate parts and materials. The company does not have to be local.
- Hold a charity fundraising event. Teams can promote this event by having half of the funds go to the charity and the other half go to the cost of the prototype.
- Pick a fundraiser that is appropriate for your team and your community and make it fu(bake sale, car wash, raffle donated items, etc). One prior NEDC team raise over $1000 in a bake sale on 'Black Friday' at their local mall.
JETS has sample fundraising letters and promotional materials available for use at www.jets.org/programs/nedc/resources.
"People First" Language and Disability Awareness
Please note the following. The term "handicapped" is no longer appropriate when referring to people with disabilities as it is considered derogatory and oppressive by many, indicating that there is something less than "normal" about them. The better way to indicate that a person has a disability is to say an "Individual with a disability". Using people first language is always important as well. So, rather than say a disabled person, one would say a "person or individual who has (or, with) a disability". Again, emphasizing that this is a person we are talking about first and foremost. As for referring to specific types of disabilities it is best to use the terms that the people with disabilities use themselves to describe their disability. For example, rather than say that someone is mentally retarded, we would say that a person has (or, with) an intellectual or cognitive disability. For more information please review the NISH Disability Awareness handbook at www.jets.org/programs/nedc/DA.pdf.
Safety
Construction Safety: Appoint a safety captain and have the students meet to establish safety rules and enforcement. We suggest that you produce your own safety checklist to document your work habits. Discuss the hazards of sharp edges and object, machinery and the importance of a clean work environment. When using machinery always use safety goggles that meet ANSI Z87 standards. Use protective masks or respirators if team members will be exposed to dust or fumes. Use appropriate eye and hand protection if team members are welding or exposed to chemicals. Be careful of electrical hazards, pinching, crushing, tripping and falling. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry or long hair around moving parts. Finally, always practice proper lifting technique.
Device Safety: The device must be operational AND safe to operate. Please determine the safety of the device prior to testing on an individual. The device must meet minimal safety requirements to be considered for the Semi-Finals.
Drawings
Orthographic projection is a means of representing a three-dimensional (3D) object in two dimensions (2D). It uses multiple views of the object, from points of view rotated about the object's center through increments of 90°. Equivalently, the views may be considered to be obtained by rotating the object about its center through increments of 90°.
Isometric projection is a method of visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions, in which the three axes of space appear equally foreshortened, of which the displayed angles among them and also the scale of foreshortening are universally known, and each angle between two of the three axes is 120°.
Note that the perimeter of the 2D drawing is a perfect regular hexagon, all the black lines are of equal length and all the cube's faces are the same area.
3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software.
CAD Software
JETS has partnered with SolidWorks Corporation to provide your NEDC team with a complimentary copy of SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to take advantage of this offer.
Using SolidWorks software will in no way influence the judging of your submissions. You are welcome to use any CAD (or other) software you choose for your NEDC submissions. The SolidWorks license is for three months, beginning on the day the software is installed. Please keep this in mind that if you advance to the Finals Competition, you will need to use SolidWorks through February, 2009, so please plan accordingly. If you register for NEDC the following year, your school can receive another copy of SolidWorks to use! If you currently have a SolidWorks use license at your school, you are not eligible for this offer as SolidWorks Education Edition and SolidWorks Student Design Kit cannot be installed on the same computer.
After the Competition
Wondering what to do now that you've finished the competition? Recognize your team's accomplishments and continue their excitement for engineering.
- Share your team's success:
- Write an article about your team's participation for your school and local newspaper.
- Post the same article with pictures of your team on your school's web site.
- Share your experience with JETS. We love to highlight JETS students and Coaches!
- Brag on JETS Facebook and talk with other NEDC teams.
- Start recruiting for next year's competition.
- Get involved in other competitions:
High School Invention Grant Program. All coaches of the finalist teams will automatically be offered the Excite award in the Lemilson-MIT Inveteams program. All NEDC teams are encouraged to apply. See www.inventeams.org for more information.
Some NEDC teams have continued to work on their device after the competition. For example, Gulliver Preparatory school in Miami, Florida has turned their work with the NEDC into "The Gulliver Project". They have helped many other people with disabilities in their area.
| The Gulliver Project: The Box cutter is only the beginning. Inspired by the works of local organizations like The Miami Project, a paralysis cure research center, the Gulliver students started what's now known as The Gulliver Project. "Now we have five ongoing projects," said [Claude] Charron [Teacher at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, FL]. "We're helping five individuals with their specific needs—a safety alert system, a retractable canopy for someone [for whom water exposure could be fatal], something that'll prevent a child from falling off a kayak, and so on."
As The Gulliver Project, students have developed and maintained close relations with several people with disabilities. Learning from people with disabilities about the obstacles they experience from day to day in all aspects of life, the students were inspired to help out by improving their lives through innovation. One of the current projects to achieve this goal is the Automatic Wheelchair Canopy.
Susanna Morse often finds herself in situations where bad weather inhibits her from performing everyday activities. Diagnosed with Juvenile Spinal Atrophy, she is limited to her power wheelchair and has little strength in her hands, making it impossible for her to stay dry in rainy conditions while operating her wheelchair. We will invent an automatic retractable canopy that will attach to the frame of the electrical wheelchair. It will serve two purposes: to keep Susanna dry in rainy weather conditions and to provide shade while out in the sunlight. The canopy will be powered by the wheelchair's own power supply. Supported by a steel frame, the canopy will be made of an impermeable fabric to withstand moisture, specifically a clear material on the sides to avoid obstructing her vision. The canopy will be activated by means of a button. up from its initial position behind Susanna's head to cover her body. The canopy would then retract by pressing the button. |
Links and Resources
The following links are provided to help you with your research, aid you in your brainstorming and assist you in finding funding and donations for your project.
Engineering Societies
Many national engineering societies have local groups called sections, chapters or clubs. Sections usually refer to professional organizations; chapters and clubs usually refer to college and university student organizations. Listed below are websites of engineering societies (the URLs link to regional and sectional listings) that may be able to help you.
Disability Links
Other Resources
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