Cold Cup Design

16.B Carry out investigations to collect data to evaluate the performance of cup systems that slow energy transfer given the criteria and constraints of the problem, and to modify design features (structures) based on test results (functions).

• High temperature change in the bright light condition may mean they need a different outside surface material to reflect light.
• High temperature change in the regular light condition may mean they need to re-evaluate the cup wall material, the thickness, and the amount of contact between materials.
• High cost or high waste means they need to rethink the type and numbers of materials used.
• Too large of a diameter means they need to rethink the thickness of their cup.

Remind students that the purpose of each test was to help them evaluate whether their cup met the criteria and followed the constraints. Prompt students to look at each test result individually with respect to the criteria or constraints. Encourage students to use their test results, peer feedback and feedback from you to help them determine how to modify their cups in the 2nd design cycle.

If students struggle with identifying how to evaluate their cup design, return to the criteria and constraints together. For each criterion and constraint, look at the corresponding test that would provide the best information. After reviewing the test results, consider modifications to the cup features (structures) based on the results. Prompt students to think about how the modification to the cup feature would potentially alter the function in slowing energy transfer. Discuss each criterion and constraint individually to help students make connections between the criterion and constraint, the test result, and the options for modification based on the results.

Close the lesson saying, This first round of cup designs was impressive and I’m hearing some good ideas about how you want to improve your cups even more. Think about one feature you want to modify with your cup and why you think the change will help. Be prepared to share this with your group tomorrow, and make sure you have evidence to support your suggestion to help your group decide this more easily.