Preface

Ideally every feature of a group’s prototype should be validated by a test. Teams may perform several different tests which may be conducted at different phases of the construction process. Encourage students to keep in mind that the collected test data will be evaluated against the criteria they establish in order to determine success or failure. Whether the prototype is successful is not the point.

To define and justify the testing method, students need to demonstrate that they are using sound engineering, scientific, and mathematical principles. When applicable, tests that use parts of an ASTM or ISO procedure will generally be easier to define and justify. However, there will be conditions under which it is not reasonable or possible to follow these official procedures, or official procedures do not exist, so students will have to improvise.

Assessment
Prototype Testing and Data Collection Plan

Through the conduct of several tests for high priority requirements that are reasonably based on instructional contexts, or through physical or mathematical modeling, the student demonstrates considerable understanding of testing procedure, including the gathering and analysis of resultant data.
The analysis of the effectiveness with which the design met stated goals includes a consistently detailed explanation [and summary] of the data from each portion of the testing procedure and from expert reviews, generously supported by pictures, graphs, charts and other visuals.
The analysis includes an overall summary of the implications of all data for proceeding with the design and solving the problem.

Essential Questions

What did I learn from testing about how well this design met the stated design requirements?
Why should others believe my analysis of the data?