Landfill Contraptions:
Solutions to Reclaiming Useful Disposed Resources
What's the Problem?:
PEGS students gave a lot of thought the recycling and trash. We reviewed an interview about the activities that occur at a landfill. Students witnessed how different forms of trash are separated and collected for either landfill or recycling purposes. Some landfills are not equipped to separate.
The problem was posed to them to create a contraption that could sort trash and reclaim a usable resource (or more than one).
We reviewed circuits and batteries to make sure students were familiar with how electricity could be used.
First:
First, the students designed their contraptions on paper. Each student designed their own.
Second:
Designs were displayed throughout the room. Students walked around with post it notes, leaving comments and questions for the designer to consider.
Students then reviewed those comments, clarified drawings, and made revisions. A few students actual redrew their ideas into a new, more developed idea.
Third:
Then in groups they discussed their ideas. As a group, they took the best ideas from each person and made a new design.
Fourth:
Finally, as a group, they created their contraptions. Here are their results. Dr. Furjes came to our classroom to view the two group contraptions. He asked many questions, clarifying questions. He was quite impressed with what they made from our makerspace area! One contraption was a conveyor belt made from a skateboard, fan blades, sewing machine motor and pedal to control speed (found on the side of the road, none the less!), and a lot of other miscellaneous parts.
System #1:
This system separates magnetic items from trash. As the magnet collects items, the robotic arm moves over and drops the items on the yellow plate.
System #2:
This system separates several items: magnetic, plastic, paper and the rest fell down into a bucket. The box contains the fan that blows the paper into a catcher. The fan is controlled by a sewing machine motor which has a pedal that can control speed! The conveyor belt was manual controlled. The students tried a few motors and were having difficulties.
Reflection:
Working as a group:
Students discussed with me the benefits and difficulties working in a group on this kind of project. Benefits included how one person's ideas help you develop your own ideas. However, it is difficult to decide which ideas to use because sometimes you really like your ideas and you really do think some of your ideas are better. In the end, however, your group invention usually comes out better and more detailed when you work with others.
Making contraptions:
Students mentioned the difficulty of drawing their ideas on paper. They also mentioned that when designing with items, the end result may not look like the idea on paper. Sometimes ideas on paper CAN'T be made into the actual model. Making models can be dangerous and wearing safety goggles is important. Also, moving parts, like fan blades, need to be in enclosed spaces such as a box.
Sharing:
Our contraptions were demonstrated to staff members. Community members viewed contraptions. All provided thoughtful questions for the students to ponder. Overall, the audience members were impressed with the designs and didn't have much else to ask.
