Problem-solving invite
Recently, the fifth annual RuDe’s Problem-Solving Invitational was held in the eighth grade Industrial Technology class.
Students were all given the same random assortment of supplies to make a device. The device had to take a ping pong ball from a position at rest at least 12 but not more than 14 inches above the table, move it below the table and return it to the table where it must stay for at least five seconds. Each group was given three attempts at having their device perform the task, with points awarded for each successful attempt.
The students worked with a partner to solve the problem. The groups had some very unique solutions to the problem. Before beginning construction on their device, the students had to go through the design process and brainstorm various ideas. Then, they had to complete a final drawing of their chosen design.
On the day of the competition, the students had to present their idea with all of their drawings and paperwork to the judges. Judges scored all aspects of the projects, including presentation, drawings, brainstorming, construction, creativity and performance of the device. Some of the devices weren’t able to stand up to the competition day pressure and weren’t as successful as they were in testing. Overall, the students did very well, and the judges were impressed with the efforts they put into their devices and presentations.
Winners of this year’s contest was the Sane Squad of Lesane Cline and Zeena Villanueva. The Sane Squad’s device went a perfect 3 for 3 on attempts. Second place finishers were the Scrub Destroyers of Colten Briggs and Mia Mobley. All participants were giving a certificate for a free F’Real at RuDe’s. In addition, first and second place winners were given RuDe’s gift certificates.
Special thanks to judges Rob Smith, Joy Nolting and Matt Kai as well as RuDe’s for sponsoring prizes for the contest.