Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
Element B
Preface
It is critical for the designer to analyze prior attempts to solve the problem, or thoroughly
document that no attempt has been made to solve the problem. One should also recognize
that the purpose of this course is to use an engineering design process to develop an original
solution, not reverse engineer a previous solution or infringe on another designers intellectual
property.
Element B - Concepts and Objectives
Documentation and Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
1. Documentation of plausible prior attempts to solve the problem and/or related
problems is drawn from a wide array of clearly identified and consistently credible
sources.
2. The analysis of past and current attempts to solve the problem—including both
strengths and shortcomings—is consistently clear, detailed, and supported by relevant
data.
Element B - Essential Questions
1. What are all of the methods, products, or actions that are being used or have been
developed to try and solve this problem and exactly why doesn’t each of them actually
solve the problem?
2. How do I/we prove to others that I/we have done an extensive search for possible
current solution attempts?
3. Who has helped me/us identify and state the shortcomings of the solutions attempts
found and why should anyone believe them?
Element B – Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
Presentations, Activities, Deliverables
Documenting Prior Solution Attempts
Download
Type
Preview
B1.0 Documentation & Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts [Presentation]
Patent Searches
Download
Type
B3.0 Patent Searches
See Component 0 – Instructional Resources (ε)
Intellectual Property
ε1.3 Patent Summary Sheet
Preview
[Presentation]
[Template]
preview
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
EDD Element B Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts – Page 1
Analysis of Current and Past Solution Attempts
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B4.1 Pros and Cons Analysis
B4.2 Similar Solutions Matrix
Type
Preview
[Activity]
[Template]
preview
preview
Support Activities
Key Terms
KT
Download
Type
Preview
Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
[Key Terms]
preview
Standards – PLTW Concept and Objectives Overview
Download
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
Standards for Technological Literacy
References
Type
Preview
[Standard]
[Standard]
[Standard]
[Standard]
preview
Planning the Project Timeline – Critical Course Benchmarks
The following GANTT chart reflects a possible timeline for projects to be completed based on
a full academic year comprising 50 minute class periods. The Rule of Thirds may provide
another option for block, modified block, or trimester courses.
- See Component 0 – Resource Gamma to learn about GANTT Charts and the Rule of Thirds
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
EDD Element B Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts – Page 2
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
EDD Element B Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts – Page 3
Day-by-Day
Component 1 - Research
Time: 40 Days Evaluation tool for Component 1 - Project Proposal
Day-by -Day
Time: 10 Days Element B - Prior Solution Attempts
Day 1
Documenting Prior Solution Attempts
· Teacher will present overview and assign;
B1.0 Documentation & Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
Day 2
· Teacher will present overview and assign;
B3.0 Patent Searches
See Component 0 – Instructional Resources (ε) - Intellectual Property
ε1.3 Patent Summary Sheet
Days 3-6
Day 7
Days 7-10
· Student will document all prior solution attempts.
Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts
· Teacher will present overview and assign;
B4.1 Pros and Cons Analysis
· Student will analyze prior solution attempts
B4.2 Similar Solutions Matrix
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
EDD Element B Analysis of Prior Solution Attempts – Page 4