FET 2.5
Ornament Box – Design Notebook
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Standard
STEM-FET
1,6
Use this form for your design notebook for the ornament box project. The instructions contained
inside ‘<>’ will let you know what to enter in each. Add room in each section as needed. As you
complete each section, remove all instructions contained inside ‘<>’. All work must be entered in this
document except drawings. Drawings may be done electronically or manually. If done electronically, drawings should be
pasted into separate sheets at the end of this document. If done manually, drawings should be attached to this
document. In either case, add a reference to the drawing in the section where the drawing applies.
Project Name: <enter the project name>
Team Members: <enter the names of all team members>
1 - Identify the need, problem, or want
<State the problem. Add to it and/or reword as necessary.>
2 - Research, determine criteria and constraints
<Choose one of the box examples, analyze it, and describe it, also research other ways to build a box – 5+ statements>
<List all criteria and constraints>
3 – Develop possible solutions
<Sketch at least 3 possible ways to design and fold your box. Use examples of various boxes as models. Drawings don’t
have to be too precise here, but should give enough details to show how it might be folded, how the sides might be
connected/overlapped, which side is top or bottom, where/how it might open, etc. Don’t forget to consider how you
might secure the ornament inside the box. You can do this on computer or by hand.>
4 – Select the best possible solution
<Analyze your possible solutions using criteria and constraints. Select the one that you think is best. For each of the
ones you don’t pick, write 1+ statements explaining why not (give a separate explanation for each). For the one you do
pick, write 3+ statements explaining why you picked it.>
5 - Build prototype or model
<Part 1 - Refine your design and determine specific dimensions, folds, etc. Transfer your design to graph paper. When
you are sure the dimensions are correct, cut it out and assemble it using masking tape to TEMPORARILY hold it together.
If you need to make corrections, you can add extra pieces using tape.>
<Part 2 - When you are satisfied with your design, disassemble the box, unfold it and lay it flat – this will be the template
for your prototype (do not throw the template away). Lay your template on the folder, trace the pattern, cut it out, then
assemble your prototype. At this point, use masking tape to hold it together – save your clear tape for other things.
Don’t forget to include windows and structure for securing the ornament. You will not install the plastic windows at this
point, but you should consider how large the plastic pieces should be.>
<Describe your results for both parts here, including the process you followed, any problems you experienced,
adjustments you had to make, things you learned, etc. – 5+ sentences>
6 – Test, evaluate, refine/redesign
<Analyze your prototype and see if it satisfies all criteria and constraints. Make sure the ornament fits and is secure.
Perform test drops without the ornament inside. Erase any stray marks or tracing lines that may be visible. Make any
necessary corrections to the prototype. Describe your results here, listing any criteria/constraints you didn’t meet, and
describe what you had to do to fix any problems. 5+ sentences>
7 – Create final product
<Make any adjustments that you found necessary from testing, then remove all the masking tape. Reassemble the box
using only glue and clear tape. Cut and install the clear windows. Remember – tape cannot be used on the outside and
it cannot be blocking the windows. When the box is assembled and the glue is dry, we will perform the drop test.
Describe your process here, including problems you had, adjustments you had to make, and your drop test results. 5+
sentences >
8 – Communicate the design
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<In this section, list the materials you used in the entire process – be specific, such as “1/2 sheet of plastic”. Describe at
least 3 areas that gave you the most difficulty. Print and collect all documents, templates, and products created during
the process and turn in as specified.>
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