For this assignment, our ending goal was to construct either a full size or miniature chair, purely made of cardboard. Our first step was to a complete a lab that dealt with testing different shapes based on their tensile and compressive strength. After receiving results from the lab, we sketched out possible designs to be later transformed into a model, built out of manilla folders. Finally, was the construction of our cardboard chair, groups can either follow their original design plan or steer off to another direction. However, there were a few restrictions such as no adhesives and we were limited to 64 sq ft of cardboard with a thickness of 1/4 in.
Concepts:
Tensile Strength - the amount of tolerance an object has under tension before breaking.
Compressive Strength - the amount an object can hold under crushing forces.
Center of Gravity - the point of an item where the weight is evenly distributed, keeping the object concentrated.
Toppling - describes an object where the center of gravity is outside the area of support, resulting it to fall over.
Trusses - (many groups attempted to use these in their designs) - triangular structures that vertically support forces such as compression or tension. They are often seen in the framework of bridges and roofs.
Tensile Strength - the amount of tolerance an object has under tension before breaking.
Compressive Strength - the amount an object can hold under crushing forces.
Center of Gravity - the point of an item where the weight is evenly distributed, keeping the object concentrated.
Toppling - describes an object where the center of gravity is outside the area of support, resulting it to fall over.
Trusses - (many groups attempted to use these in their designs) - triangular structures that vertically support forces such as compression or tension. They are often seen in the framework of bridges and roofs.
- To fully meet the requirements for this project we had to follow the rubric, which consisted of constructing our chairs to fit properly in the following categories: structure, function, economy, aesthetics, our group's integrity with our project and presentation, and mentioning the trade-offs we made throughout the process.
Structure: After completely failing our first cardboard chair, we came up with our structure design by looking at other successful group's chairs and pulling in different ideas to use. Such as constructing a smaller chair to save time, and using the slit method to easily attach our connection points. The slit method was cutting slits in both the main structure of our chair and the attachment pieces and then sliding them in together. The dimensions of our final chair were 26 inches tall, 14 inches wide(width of seat) and extended back to about another 14 inches.
Function: Our chair is made specifically for an older toddler. We wanted to have a wide seat so that it can fit any size toddler, and provide enough wiggle room to keep them comfortable. It held E.C at one point, which ensures that a small child would be safe on our chair. By having two solid pieces of cardboard on either side of the chair, provides a stable structure to prevent side to side movement. We also inserted diagonal pieces in the back so that the weight would be evenly distributed to support those who choose to lean back.
Economy: Because we chose to make a smaller chair, rather than continue or full-sized one, we ended up using a lot less cardboard. Along with making a smaller chair, we wanted to keep it simple. In other words, by not having a large amount of connections in our chair, not only allows the to chair to be more stable, but ends up being very economical.
Aesthetics: Our group made sure to bring aesthetics into great consideration with the ending result of our cardboard chair. By rounding the corners of our chair, we both made it appeal to be comfortable and smooth, and also safe, by not having any sharp edges. Our chair also contained several modern looking shapes that worked well with the overall appearance of the chair. Our group assumed that if a chair doesn't look comfortable nor pleasing look at, people won't choose to sit in it.
Integrity: Tough challenges come into play all the time, and using only cardboard to make a durable chair definitely fits under the category of extreme difficultly. My group and I had to be honest with ourselves in terms of our previous chair; it was merely a box with a display board as a backing. Because our chair did not represent the challenge well, we decided to start over even if it meant finishing in one day's work. We stayed focus, determined, and kept the mind set that we are going to finish with a successful, completed chair. In the end, we did just that.
Trade-Offs: Knowing that all groups were going to have to sacrifice at least one element to enhance the other, we made trade-offs. For our group, we believed in two things, structure and aesthetics. WE figured that if we had a strong structure for our chair, the function aspect would fall into place. My team and I also believed in appealing visual elements because no one wants to sit in a chair that does not look well-formed. Economy wasn't as significant for our beliefs because the whole point of the assignment was to have a solid cardboard chair. So in our eyes quality came before quantity.
Structure: After completely failing our first cardboard chair, we came up with our structure design by looking at other successful group's chairs and pulling in different ideas to use. Such as constructing a smaller chair to save time, and using the slit method to easily attach our connection points. The slit method was cutting slits in both the main structure of our chair and the attachment pieces and then sliding them in together. The dimensions of our final chair were 26 inches tall, 14 inches wide(width of seat) and extended back to about another 14 inches.
Function: Our chair is made specifically for an older toddler. We wanted to have a wide seat so that it can fit any size toddler, and provide enough wiggle room to keep them comfortable. It held E.C at one point, which ensures that a small child would be safe on our chair. By having two solid pieces of cardboard on either side of the chair, provides a stable structure to prevent side to side movement. We also inserted diagonal pieces in the back so that the weight would be evenly distributed to support those who choose to lean back.
Economy: Because we chose to make a smaller chair, rather than continue or full-sized one, we ended up using a lot less cardboard. Along with making a smaller chair, we wanted to keep it simple. In other words, by not having a large amount of connections in our chair, not only allows the to chair to be more stable, but ends up being very economical.
Aesthetics: Our group made sure to bring aesthetics into great consideration with the ending result of our cardboard chair. By rounding the corners of our chair, we both made it appeal to be comfortable and smooth, and also safe, by not having any sharp edges. Our chair also contained several modern looking shapes that worked well with the overall appearance of the chair. Our group assumed that if a chair doesn't look comfortable nor pleasing look at, people won't choose to sit in it.
Integrity: Tough challenges come into play all the time, and using only cardboard to make a durable chair definitely fits under the category of extreme difficultly. My group and I had to be honest with ourselves in terms of our previous chair; it was merely a box with a display board as a backing. Because our chair did not represent the challenge well, we decided to start over even if it meant finishing in one day's work. We stayed focus, determined, and kept the mind set that we are going to finish with a successful, completed chair. In the end, we did just that.
Trade-Offs: Knowing that all groups were going to have to sacrifice at least one element to enhance the other, we made trade-offs. For our group, we believed in two things, structure and aesthetics. WE figured that if we had a strong structure for our chair, the function aspect would fall into place. My team and I also believed in appealing visual elements because no one wants to sit in a chair that does not look well-formed. Economy wasn't as significant for our beliefs because the whole point of the assignment was to have a solid cardboard chair. So in our eyes quality came before quantity.
Reflection:
Several struggles took place in the beginning of this project, but at the end of the day, we managed to complete a rewarding product. One thing that didn't seem to go my group's way was planning. After not finishing a strong model, it was difficult to conceptualize a clear idea of how our cardboard chair was going to turn out. However, once all of us agreed that it wasn't going to work, we quickly drew up a simple sketch and got busy. I would say our determination was definitely a compelling point to mention.
I would say I learned more about myself as person, than from an academic standponit, but still managed to gain a lot of essential knowledge. I have come to learn that it is acceptable to start over a project you are not proud of because if you are not happy with it, nobody else can feed off of your excitement. I also have reached an understanding on what determination truly means by experiencing it myself. Determination is the will to pursue until you obtain satisfaction, and we did exactly that with our cardboard chair.
Although I have enhanced myself as a person greatly through this experience, I still believe i can work on a few things. One, is being sure my group and I are on the same page before transitioning to a new step. Planing and oraganizing is critical in any project, and by skipping that crucial part, there is a greater chance you will not finish with a successful project. Secondly, by improving my communication skills will positivity affect the function of my group to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. All in all, I truly believe this project was a triumph because it not only got students to think critcally, but also challenge themselves as a person through a difficult task.
Recap
Peaks:
1). Finishing strong
2). Progressing to get what want
Pits:
1). Planing/Organization
2). Communication within group memebers
Several struggles took place in the beginning of this project, but at the end of the day, we managed to complete a rewarding product. One thing that didn't seem to go my group's way was planning. After not finishing a strong model, it was difficult to conceptualize a clear idea of how our cardboard chair was going to turn out. However, once all of us agreed that it wasn't going to work, we quickly drew up a simple sketch and got busy. I would say our determination was definitely a compelling point to mention.
I would say I learned more about myself as person, than from an academic standponit, but still managed to gain a lot of essential knowledge. I have come to learn that it is acceptable to start over a project you are not proud of because if you are not happy with it, nobody else can feed off of your excitement. I also have reached an understanding on what determination truly means by experiencing it myself. Determination is the will to pursue until you obtain satisfaction, and we did exactly that with our cardboard chair.
Although I have enhanced myself as a person greatly through this experience, I still believe i can work on a few things. One, is being sure my group and I are on the same page before transitioning to a new step. Planing and oraganizing is critical in any project, and by skipping that crucial part, there is a greater chance you will not finish with a successful project. Secondly, by improving my communication skills will positivity affect the function of my group to keep things running smoothly and efficiently. All in all, I truly believe this project was a triumph because it not only got students to think critcally, but also challenge themselves as a person through a difficult task.
Recap
Peaks:
1). Finishing strong
2). Progressing to get what want
Pits:
1). Planing/Organization
2). Communication within group memebers