Workshop: BioEngineering Basics

Workshop: BioEngineering Basics

In this one-day workshop we will explore the role that simple machines play in the engineering reality of the modern world and on the farm. Workshop: Bioengineering Basics asks the participants to reverse engineer a series of objects from the six simple machines and the materials involved.

90 Minute Factor

In this workshop we will explore the role of the six simple machines in every day farm tools and inventions.

• The first portion of the workshop will deal with understanding the six simple machines and their variations. After the intro, the workshop will allow students to design a tool that uses these simple machines.
• The second portion of the workshop the students will build and test their devices.
• Finally, each student will share out their design and prototype and discuss ways they could use their tools together.

Half-Day Factor

In this expanded half-day workshop we will create a full design challenge with simple machines and a video presentation.

• Students must learn about the 6 simple machines and why they are important.
• Students must create a device that successfully uses at least 4 of the 6 simple machines.
• Students must work together in teams and create a useful idea together.
• Students will follow the Design Cycle to create this solution.
• Students must make a video showing their solution in use on the farm at Mezzacello.

Full-Day Factor

In this expanded full-day workshop we will create a full design challenge with simple machines, solve a real-world problem at Mezzacello using the Design Cycle, and writing and recording a video presentation.

• In the first part, students must learn about the 6 simple machines and why they are important.
• Students will create a device that successfully uses at least 4 of the 6 simple machines.
• Students must work together in teams and create a useful idea together.
• Students will follow the Design Cycle to create this solution.
• In the second part of this workshop, students will identify a system that could be improved with the application of STEM to solve that problem.
• Students have the option of either designing and building a prototype of their solution or installing their solution at Mezzacello Urban Farm.
• Students must make a video showing their solution in use on the farm at Mezzacello or the solution that they installed to solve a real world problem.