Timeline: Engineering Design Process by Spencer Treadway

Ask Stage: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:21:06 UTC

Defining what problem we are going to solve. Also, determining what the restrictions and limitations that are placed on us are.

Ask Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:23:38 UTC

Problem: How can me launch our satellite to the moon? (Min 25 ft)

Restrictions: Limited materials list.

Limitations: All satellite base models are the same. Limited ability to change the basic structure of the model.

Imagine Stage: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:25:52 UTC

This is the brainstorming phase. Considering all that the students already know, how would they solve the problem using the given materials, time, and space. In this section all ideas are good ideas, from simple to complex, to crazy.

Imagine Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:27:46 UTC

Considering the basic idea of the challenge, it seems to me that placing a balloon directly behind or directly underneath the satellite would be the most beneficial.

Plan Stage: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:31:23 UTC

Here we take all of the ideas that the group has developed in the imagine stage and work our way to a single idea. Once everyone has agreed on a single idea, we can sketch them. Remind students to sketch from different angles and to label all parts.

Plan Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:39:02 UTC

Here I considered what I already knew about the challenge. If I want the satellite to cover the given distance, I will need to use the given force from the balloon efficiently.

Create Stage: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:44:49 UTC

Using the sketches, the students will begin to build their models. They must remember to work within the limitations of the challenge. Whether that be material restrictions, or restrictions with time allotted.

Create Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:50:00 UTC

Create Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:50:14 UTC

Create Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:50:27 UTC

Create Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:50:45 UTC

Create Stage: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:51:57 UTC

The following four photos are stages of completion for the satellite model. The completed rockets are shown in the videos during the testing phase.

Test Phase: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 18:54:28 UTC

This is where we put our models to the test. We need to take measurements and record observations. The goal of the first test it to set a benchmark that we can overcome during the improve stage.

Test Phase: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 19:01:16 UTC

Improve Phase: Definition

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 19:03:23 UTC

Using the data that was collected during the testing phase, the goal is to make a better version of the model. No matter how well the first model performed, the idea is to improve.

Improve Phase: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 19:06:57 UTC

The following section is the second iteration of the model and rocket combination. A second balloon was added and to stabilize the front of the satellite. I noticed in testing that the weight of the balloon behind the model forced the nose up which in turn means a loss of energy.

Improve Phase: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 19:07:34 UTC

Improve Phase: To the Moon

spencer_treadway1 — 2025-07-12 19:09:25 UTC