Learning Targets
- Collect comparable evidence using the standard qualification procedure.
- Identify the strongest and weakest features of the prototype from test evidence.
- Make and document one targeted design improvement.
IED Unit 0 • Lesson 0.9
Test & Improve
Focus Question: How can test evidence guide a meaningful design improvement?
Your lesson guide
Objective
Collect comparable evidence using the standard qualification procedure. Identify the strongest and weakest features of the prototype from test evidence. Make and document one targeted design improvement.
Materials
1 × 12 in × 18 in foam-board sheet 20 craft sticks 10 straws
Plan your time
Suggested work block: 45–60 minutes. Physical builds and projects may span several classes; follow your teacher’s schedule.
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
Every task advances the same Rocket Launch Pad Design Challenge.
Learning Targets
Success Looks Like…
Your team can point to a specific test result, explain what it revealed, and show one change made because of that evidence.
Project connection: Your work today becomes evidence used in the next stage of the Engineering Design Process.
Test
Use the same procedure for every team
DefineImagineSelectDevelopBuildTestImproveCommunicate
A test is useful when it produces evidence that can change a decision.
Qualification Sequence
Prototype testing
1. Dimensional Check
Footprint ≤ 12 in × 12 in; pad height ≤ 12 in without the rocket.
2. Rocket Fit
The provided rocket installs, remains upright, and can be removed without damage.
3. Level Stability
Rocket + pad remain freestanding and unsupported for 60 seconds.
4. Required Tilt
Hold at 10° for 5 seconds in forward, backward, left, and right directions.
5. Disturbance
Complete the instructor-controlled disturbance test without tipping, losing the rocket, or experiencing structural failure.
Analyze
Find the weakness that matters most
Use evidence
- Where did movement first appear?
- Did the base slide, rotate, or tip?
- Did the rocket move inside its support?
- Did a brace bend, buckle, or detach?
- Which direction was least stable?
Choose one improvement
Make one targeted change that responds to a specific observation. Do not redesign the entire project.
Examples: move a support, reinforce a joint, add/reposition a brace, change a rocket-contact point, or modify the base geometry within the size limit.
Engineering Change Record
Evidence → Change → Expected Effect
Record the test evidence that triggered the change, describe exactly what you changed, and predict what should improve during the final competition.
Mission Debrief
What You Submit
Qualification Test Record + Engineering Change Record
Submit the complete team evidence required by this lesson. Use clear labels, dimensions, test data, and reasoning where applicable.
Project Resources
Launch Pad Challenge Reference
Standard Team Materials
Core Constraints
Build your lesson report
Checkpoint: is your evidence ready?
- Check calculations, units, labels, and measurements against the activity requirements.
- Record what actually happened, including unexpected results.
- Explain what you changed and why; attach required drawings, photos, CAD, or code in your classroom assignment.
Submit the evidence specified in the activity and your classroom assignment. The report below collects your notes, calculations, observations, and reflections; attach any required drawings, photos, CAD, or code separately.
A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.