✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can troubleshoot a mechanism by identifying causes of failure and making targeted revisions.
Main Activity
Add load or motor input, test the mechanism in short cycles, and revise alignment, support, gearing, or structure as needed.
Deliverable
Troubleshooting log and revised prototype evidence
Tools / Materials
VEX kit, motors/controllers if used, payload/load, measurement tools, notebook
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
A mechanism may jam, slip, flex, stall, or move inconsistently under real load. Troubleshooting requires identifying the likely cause before changing the design.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Common mechanism problems include poor alignment, insufficient support, too much friction, weak structure, incorrect ratio, loose fasteners, and load paths that were not considered.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Run short tests and record symptoms. For each issue, identify a likely cause, choose a targeted fix, make the change, and retest.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Maintain a troubleshooting log with issue, evidence, suspected cause, revision, and result. Include updated sketches or photos as needed.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your revisions should be traceable. Someone reading your log should understand why each change was made and whether it improved performance.
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 ResourceProject Planning Worksheet
Organize roles, materials, build steps, and testing responsibilities.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Record repeated trials, measurements, calculations, and observations.
Open Resource