Engineering Challenge
Backpacks carry books, devices, water bottles, lunch, and personal items, but they can be uncomfortable, disorganized, or difficult to use. Your job is to design an improved backpack for a specific student.
1. Understand the User
Choose one user:
- A student who walks or bikes to school
- A student who carries a laptop and several large books
- A student involved in sports or after-school activities
- A student who needs quick access to medical or personal items
What problems might this user experience?
2. Define Requirements
Write at least four criteria (features the design should have) and three constraints (limits the design must follow).
| Criteria | Constraints |
|---|---|
3. Generate Ideas
Create three small concept sketches. Label important features. Each concept should solve the problem in a different way.
| Concept 1 | Concept 2 | Concept 3 |
|---|---|---|
4. Select the Best Concept
Score each concept from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).
| Criterion | Concept 1 | Concept 2 | Concept 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | |||
| Organization | |||
| Durability | |||
| Ease of use | |||
| Total |
5. Final Design
Create one large, labeled final sketch. Include the front, side, or interior view needed to communicate the design.
6. Engineering Recommendation
Explain who the design is for, the problem it solves, and how at least three features meet the criteria and constraints.
Submission Checklist
- All analysis questions are answered.
- Required calculations, tables, sketches, or diagrams are complete.
- The final recommendation uses evidence from the lesson.
- Your name, class period, and date are included.
Closing Reflection
What was the most important engineering or manufacturing decision you made in this lesson? Explain why it mattered.