Design Challenge: Seismograph

Project Explanation: The challenge for this project was to create a seismograph that could record different amount of movement. We also had to create a scale for the movement.

Technological Concepts: Basically, we learned about the different parts of the seismograph, like the recording instrument that stays stationary while the rest of the seismograph moves with the motion of the ground. We also learned about the Richter scale and how it is based on a logarithm so with each step it increases by a power of ten. There wasn't much else we needed to learn because the tools we were using had been use for past projects.

Learning Goals: The goal for this project was learning how to balance the instrument enough to record small movement but also making sure it has the capacity to record large movement without breaking. Also, we had to learn to create a somewhat standard way to rate the movement.

Design Brief: For our project, we decided to create to towers on either side of the base. Then, we added a pole through the tower to hold the role of paper for the pen to record on. A lid on the graph with a hole in it provided support to hold the pen while the pen was held in a thin piece of wood on a pole on the top of the lid. The pen reaches the paper through the hole on the lid. We added a block of wood for the wood piece holding the pen to sit on so the pen would be a good height for writing on the paper.

the final product

Positive Feedback: We got the contraption to a point where is was functional and it could actually record on the paper. It recorded different numbers on the scale for each size shake. Also, we planned well enough so the original idea was very close the final product. The construction of the seismograph was durable as well and it was very aesthetically pleasing.

Redesign Paragraph: If we were to redesign the seismograph, I would want to make the pen more loosely moving. Having the hole in the piece of wood holding the pencil be larger so the pen would be more free moving which would record little movement more. Also, I would put it the right way on the table so the pen would move back and forth.

Technological Resources: Most of the seismograph was made out of wood, which was provided. Other than wood, all we needed was a pen and paper. The roll of paper was also provided and the pen was easy to find laying around. The project cost just about nothing to us. We were the people used with making the instrument along with Mr. OD who helped with using some of the tools. Time was limited to in class work but ample amount of days were given to finish the project.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge was trying to get the pen to write on the paper. We started with using a pencil, so there had to be pressure between the pencil and the paper. If the pencil didn't stay exactly where it was, it would stop having enough pressure to write. When we changed the writing utensil, it marked better since less pressure was needed to create a mark.

What I learned: Essentially, this project taught me the same thing as the last. Time management was key along with planning and working as most as possible each day. Problem solving was key in the project since little adjustments could make it better. We spent a few days just tweaking the design to make it a bit better. Recognizing the things that were going to help the instrument was key in the problem solving process.