✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can interpret a design brief and identify the problem, criteria, constraints, and deliverables for the VEX Rover Mechanisms Challenge.
Main Activity
Read the challenge brief, unpack requirements, identify available materials, and define what must be tested.
Deliverable
Problem statement, criteria/constraints list, and initial test plan notes
Tools / Materials
Challenge brief, notebook, VEX kit, measurement tools, project planning worksheet
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Your team must design a VEX-based mechanism for an aerospace support task. The mechanism must change force, speed, direction, distance, or motion in a measurable way and must be documented with calculations and test data.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
A design brief defines the problem and sets the boundaries for success. Criteria describe what the solution should do, and constraints describe limits such as time, materials, size, safety, and testing requirements.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Identify the assigned or chosen mechanism task. Write a clear problem statement, list measurable criteria and constraints, and identify at least three data points your team could collect during testing.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Complete a design brief notebook entry with problem statement, users/stakeholders, criteria, constraints, deliverables, and test evidence needed.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Before brainstorming, make sure your team understands what success looks like and what evidence will be required to prove it.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, layouts, calculations, systems diagrams, and test planning.
Open ResourceDecision Matrix
Compare mechanism concepts using criteria and evidence.
Open ResourceProject Planning Worksheet
Organize roles, materials, build steps, and testing responsibilities.
Open Resource