The purpose of our project was to make the workers of CA Cezars Kitchen job easier and simple. Right now, after teachers and students finish eating their lunch, they need to put the cutlery’s and dishes into buckets which the staff workers has to carry to the washing machine. This bucket is very heavy and they need to use a lot of strength to complete their job. So our project goal was to helps the workers finish their job quicker, easier, and simple.
From all of the different problems our group found throughout the school, we thought the cafeteria kitchen was the major problem because it was where most of the students and teachers get their lunch and spend time. From the problem we chose, I learned that the system that they are currently using to transport the bucket is a difficult job. Adding on, this problem lead to many other problems like losing cutlery. Since the system they are currently using is not very useful they have many limitations through the major problem.
Our group developed a relationship between our client because we noticed their difficulty that they were having. The very first time we talked to our client, he was pleased to see how we observed the problem and was wanting to help them. He told us many different problems that connected with the major problem which we could not solve for him because it did not include a simple machine. We met with him a couple of times after and was happy to see our progress of how we were trying hard to solve the problem. Overall, our relationship build up throughout the meetings we had with him.
How we designed our project was by looking carefully of the space we could use. Our first idea was using a lever system and a pulley system. But after thinking well and also by thinking of the space, there would be too much space and the lever would have to be very long and attached a pulley system to the lever would be difficult. So after all, we decided to use a wheel and axle because that would make the box go through the tracks easier and it would have a higher efficiency because the friction would be reduced. We had a string to pull the box at the side of the washing machine water bucket and a pulley system to bring one of the side of the box up to make a lever with opening side to drop the cutlery’s out of the box and into the washing machine. This uses great use of the space at the cafeteria kitchen.
The learning from science and design complemented one another because the design skills we learned was very useful when designing our project using the scientific simple machine. When after choosing the simple machine and how our design of the machine would be, being able to cut the wood, drill holes, screw in screws, hammer in the nails, and all others was because of the learning from design. Adding on, we were able to think of a good design from what we learned during science about the different simple machine and how it would work and be easier.
While carrying out the project, I have learned many things. One thing I learned was thinking of an design will need to use a lot of knowledge you have from different other subjects also. Just like this assignment, we needed to use design and science in order to be able to think of an design that would actually function. Another thing I learned was that while making the project, when you are cutting the woods, it might not be the exact measurement you expected it to be while cutting. So before cutting, you will need to have at least 2 cm extra on the measurement of the wood.
From the understanding of mechanics and ergonomics we used our empathy to create a solution to the authentic problem by being able to fully understand each simple machine and to be able to use the skills from design. With this understanding, we can judge which simple machine works the best and afterwards, we can choose the best design that would fit well with the chosen simple machine.
I have developed many of these ATL skills from all of the steps we took as a group. We needed to communicate together as a group and also to our client to be able to make the bet project we could ever make. We needed to collaborate with each other to be able to get our project done in time and also to be able to add all of our thoughts together for the project to be great and equal for each member. There were many tough situations for us to be able to finish our project and the presentation board. And also through that I got to develops my ATL skills.
It is important to carry out tasks that connect our learning across subjects for us to know that all of the subjects ties together somehow and also that we need to use the knowledge we have from different subject to make the best project for an assignment.
For my future project or idea, I would like to develop perhaps a clothing. By trying to produce this project or idea, it would use the subjects of design, art, and a little math. The reason why I would like to produce this project or idea is because I always wanted to design a clothing and also I was to do some project that I am very passionate about. Adding on, you will use those 3 subject because you will need each of those skills to actually make the design or idea that I would like.