Cargo Transport

Students will transport ping-pong balls across a 15-foot gap, using a problem-solving heuristic. They will identify transportation methods, starting with an incomplete balloon-powered solution, and use a Duncker Diagram to explore and improve it. To address potential problems, they will use a Fishbone Diagram, considering issues from six categories and making necessary adjustments. The project emphasizes unintended consequences, with a scoring system penalizing teams if more than a quarter of the ping-pong balls fall out during transport.

Objective

Design and construct a transport system that can safely and efficiently deliver ping pong balls across a 15-foot gap.

Constraints

• Must be self-powered (no pushing or throwing)

• Safety: no balls fall out, no stopping midway

• Efficiency: balls (6 minimum) can be loaded and unloaded quickly

 Materials