The Bungee Omelet

                                A Freshman Engineering Design Project
                            Developed by Dr. Ron Roedel, Arizona State University

                                             Click here for the PDF version of the lesson

Overview:

In this project, student teams will develop a bungee jump design using theory coupled with experimental measurements of the parameters or variables necessary for accurately modeling. The bungee designs will be demonstrated in a competition to see which team's design performs the best. During the competition, visual and video tape evidence will be used to judge the closeness to the ground and to determine the maximum deceleration of the payload. For this project, the "jumper" will consist of an uncooked egg and the jump will be from the top of Sun Angel Stadium.

Learning Objectives or Student Outcomes:

By the end of this project, students will be able to

• design a quality bungee cord experience that will allow a delicate object to come as close to the ground as possible without damage;
• demonstrate the team bungee designs in a competition to see which team's design performs the best; and work as a team to complete a detailed written project report.

Length of Lesson:

This project is generally one of three per semester.  The actual time the project takes will depend upon a few factors, such as how much in-class time is devoted to the lesson, how much out-of-class time the instructor deems appropriate, and what other activities are happening during the duration of the project.

Team Size/Composition:

Teams of 4 work best; if necessary, a few teams of 3 or 5 students may be formed.  Teams stay together for the length of the project.

How is positive interdependence ensured?

Positive interdependence is ensured through the completion of one design product and one team report.  Students must really work together as a team in order to successfully accomplish their goal.  Students receive a common grade for the project.

How is individual accountability built in to the project?

Students learn techniques and are given opportunities for giving each other constructive feedback about their performance as team members. Peer evaluations are used to adjust the grades of individuals within the teams.

Basis or Components of Assessment:

Assessment will be accomplished through

·         the bungee jump competition (see Competition Day Deliverables),

·         the final written report (see Report Guidelines), and

·         peer evaluations. 

NOTE: If the reports are going to be posted on a course web site, the students should turn in both a hard copy and an electronic version of the report.

Team Skills Needed for Success:

The teams need solid communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively—sharing ideas and giving and accepting constructive feedback.

How Are Team Skills Emphasized?

Teams are required to reflect upon and assess their internal processes as an ongoing part of the project.

Materials Needed by Students:

One meter lengths of cord (to be provided by instructor)

Other materials chosen by teams for the creation of their release devices

Content Lesson Links:

Instruction to Students

Report Guidelines

Important Parameters

                                     Lesson   |   Instruction to Students |  Report Guidelines   |  Important Parameters

©2002, Ronald J. Roedel
These materials may be duplicated for educational purposes if properly credited.