Lesson Plan 11

Note: Students will need their prototypes to test.

To teach students the importance of testing and iteration in the design process of their maker projects.

1. Prototypes created by students during previous sessions
2. Testing tools and equipment specific to each project (e.g. rulers, timers, sensors)
3. Feedback forms or sheets
4. Whiteboard or flipchart
5. Markers

• Begin by setting the context and reminding students of the overall goal of their maker projects. Explain that the design process is not just about coming up with ideas and creating prototypes, but also about ensuring that the final product meets the intended goals and requirements. Ask students to go back and read their problem statement and what their intended solution was meant to do. 

• Clarify the concepts of testing and feedback. Explain that testing involves evaluating the performance, functionality, and effectiveness of the prototype through systematic experimentation and observation. Feedback, on the other hand, refers to gathering input, suggestions, and constructive criticism from others who interact with the prototype.

Explain the importance of testing and feedback in the design process. Discuss how testing helps identify strengths and weaknesses in a prototype and provides insights for improvement. Emphasize the value of feedback from others in gaining different perspectives and refining the design.

Benefits of Testing:

• Identify Strengths: Emphasize that testing helps identify the strengths and positive aspects of the prototype. It allows students to recognize the successful elements and features that contribute to the desired outcome.
• Identify Weaknesses: Explain that testing also helps identify the weaknesses and areas for improvement. It allows students to discover flaws, limitations, or aspects that may not be working as intended.
• Refine Design: Emphasize that testing provides valuable insights that can guide the design refinement process. By identifying weaknesses, students can modify and enhance their designs to make them more effective, functional, and user-friendly.
• Enhance Performance: Discuss how testing allows students to evaluate the performance and functionality of their prototypes. It helps them ensure that the prototype meets the intended goals and performs its intended functions optimally.

The Value of Feedback:

• Gain Different Perspectives: Highlight the importance of feedback in gaining different perspectives. Explain that feedback from others can offer fresh insights, alternative ideas, and different ways of thinking that students might not have considered.
• Identify Blind Spots: Stress that feedback can help students identify blind spots or areas they may have overlooked during the design process. It provides an opportunity to uncover potential issues or improvements that might have been missed.
• Learn from Others: Discuss how feedback offers the chance to learn from the experiences and expertise of others. Encourage students to embrace feedback as a valuable learning opportunity, as it can help them grow and improve their designs.

Show this video to illustrate the significance of testing and feedback.
https://youtu.be/p-2I0_pZBOU 

1. Instruct students to identify specific objectives or goals they want to achieve through testing. This could include evaluating the efficiency, accuracy, durability, or user-friendliness of their prototypes.
2. Guide students in developing testing procedures. Encourage them to think about the steps they need to follow, the data they need to collect, and any specific measurements or observations they should make during the tests.
3. Advise students to standardize the testing conditions as much as possible. This may involve controlling variables, ensuring consistent lighting or temperature, or replicating specific scenarios relevant to their prototypes.
4. Ensure that students have access to the necessary testing tools and equipment specific to their projects. This may include rulers, timers, sensors, or any other tools needed to measure and record relevant data. Students should bring the relevant tools with them during the actual testing step. 

Here is a list of common testing tools that students might require for testing their prototypes, along with a description of their usage:

• Ruler or Measuring Tape: A ruler or measuring tape is used to measure the dimensions, distances, or sizes of various components or features of the prototype. It helps ensure accuracy and precision in the design.

• Stopwatch or Timer: A stopwatch or timer is used to measure the time taken for specific actions or processes in the prototype. It helps evaluate the efficiency or speed of the prototype’s performance.

• Multimeter: A multimeter is an electronic testing tool used to measure various electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. It is useful for testing electrical circuits or components within the prototype.

• Thermometer: A thermometer is used to measure temperature. It can be helpful in assessing the heat generated or dissipated by the prototype, ensuring that it operates within safe temperature limits.

• Force Gauge: A force gauge measures the amount of force or pressure applied to an object. It is useful for testing the strength, durability, or responsiveness of mechanical components or structures within the prototype.

• Light Meter: A light meter measures the intensity of light in a given environment. It can be used to evaluate the brightness or illumination of lighting components or displays in the prototype.

• Sound Level Meter: A sound level meter measures the intensity of sound or noise. It can be employed to assess the acoustic performance or noise levels produced by the prototype.

• Environmental Sensors: Depending on the project, students may need specific environmental sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or motion sensors. These sensors provide data related to the prototype’s interaction with its surroundings.

1. Instruct students to test their prototypes individually or in small groups, depending on the project.
2. Instruct students to record their observations and results during the testing process. This can be done through written notes, sketches, photographs, or even video recordings, depending on the nature of the prototypes.
3. Provide worksheets or tables to record quantitative data systematically.

Guide students in analyzing the data they collect during testing. Encourage them to look for patterns, trends, or discrepancies that could inform potential improvements or design modifications.

When guiding students in analyzing the data they collect during testing, follow these detailed steps:

• Review the Data: Start by reviewing the data collected during the testing phase. This could include measurements, observations, or any other recorded information related to the performance of the prototype.
• Organize the Data: Help students organize the data in a systematic manner to facilitate analysis. This can be done by creating tables, charts, or graphs that present the data in a clear and concise format.
• Identify Patterns and Trends: Encourage students to carefully examine the data for any patterns or trends that emerge. Look for recurring observations or measurements that indicate consistent behaviors or outcomes. This may include patterns of efficiency, accuracy, or performance.
• Note Discrepancies or Deviations: Prompt students to identify any discrepancies or deviations from expected results. These could be instances where the prototype did not perform as intended or exhibited unexpected behaviors. It’s important to highlight these areas as they often provide valuable insights for improvement.
• Compare with Initial Goals or Requirements: Have students compare the collected data with the initial goals or requirements of the prototype. Assess whether the performance aligns with the intended objectives and identify any gaps or areas that need improvement.
• Seek Relationships or Correlations: Encourage students to explore potential relationships or correlations within the data. This involves identifying if specific variables or factors have an impact on the performance or behavior of the prototype. Look for cause-and-effect relationships or dependencies that may inform design modifications.
• Interpret the Findings: Help students interpret the findings derived from the data analysis. Encourage them to draw meaningful conclusions based on the observed patterns, trends, discrepancies, and relationships. Discuss the implications of these findings for the design and potential improvements.
• Generate Improvement Ideas: Engage students in brainstorming sessions to generate improvement ideas based on the analysis. Encourage them to think creatively and consider potential design modifications, adjustments, or new approaches that address the identified areas for improvement.
• Prioritize and Plan Modifications: Guide students in prioritizing the identified areas for improvement based on their significance and impact on the overall design. Assist them in creating a plan for implementing the modifications, including setting timelines and outlining the necessary steps.
• Document Findings: Emphasize the importance of documenting the findings from the data analysis and the proposed modifications. This documentation will serve as a reference for future iterations and ensure that improvements are accurately implemented.
• Brainstorm Improvement Ideas: Engage students in brainstorming sessions to generate improvement ideas. Encourage them to think creatively and consider various approaches, modifications, or new features that could address the identified weaknesses or challenges.
• Evaluate Feasibility: Instruct students to evaluate the feasibility of the improvement ideas considering factors such as available resources, time constraints, and technical limitations. Help them identify the most practical and achievable improvement options.
• Assess Trade-Offs: Guide students in assessing potential trade-offs that may arise from implementing certain improvements. Discuss how modifications in one area of the prototype may impact other aspects and encourage them to make informed decisions considering these trade-offs.
• Create an Improvement Plan: Assist students in creating a clear and detailed improvement plan. This plan should outline the specific modifications, adjustments, or additions they will make to their prototypes. Encourage them to set realistic timelines and define the necessary steps to implement the improvements effectively.

You can use the following guiding questions to foster a discussion around prototype testing data:

1. What unexpected outcomes or results did you observe during the testing?
2. Were there any challenges or limitations that surfaced during the testing phase?
3. Did the prototype meet the intended goals and requirements? If not, what aspects need improvement?
4. What insights or ideas emerged from the testing process that could enhance the design?
5. How did the prototype perform in terms of functionality, usability, and user experience?
6. What modifications or adjustments could be made to address identified issues or enhance performance?

NOTE: If the prototype designed is meant to be used by a specific user e.g., old people or teachers, the students need to ALSO get feedback from that user (with a minimum sample size of 10 users)