12/21/2020 Problem 1.4.

1 Sweet Improvement

PLTW ENGINEERING

Problem 1.4.1

Sweet Improvement

Distance Learning Support

If you are doing this problem outside of the classroom, jump to
the flexible path DL: Problem 1.4.1 Workspace Improvement.

GOALS

Apply an iterative design process, including developing appropriate models

and/or simulations, to creatively address a need or solve a problem.
Create technical drawings using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software to
document a design according to standard engineering practices.
Demonstrate independent thinking and self-direction in pursuit of
accomplishing a goal.
Communicate effectively with an audience based on the characteristics of the
intended audience.

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MATERIALS

Index cards
Prototyping materials
Prototyping equipment
Sample 3D-Printed Baked Goods

RESOURCES

Project Management

Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement Project Charter

Design Brief Template

Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement Checklists and Rubric

Baked Goods Dimension Guide

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12/21/2020 Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement

A Bakery’s Dilemma
Cupcake Party, a local bakery, is known
throughout your state for their specialty
individual baked goods. Treats such as
mini tarts, standard frosted cupcakes, and
jumbo muffins are ordered in large
quantities for a variety of events. Muffins
and cupcakes are individually packaged
for shipping and distribution, while tarts
are packaged in groups of two.

The head baker has been using three

different types of packaging for the three
different treat offerings. However, when customers place orders for combinations of
treats, the baker often has a difficult time packaging items for shipping in an efficient
way. Also, there have been notable problems with the packaging. Here are a few
reviews the bakery has received on its website:

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Cupcake Party Reviews

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12/21/2020 Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement

The head baker is requesting the services of a designer to help streamline the bakery’s
packaging efforts.

Your Challenge
You have been selected to assist your local bakery in solving this packaging dilemma.
The bakery is requesting a single packaging prototype capable of accommodating the
different sizes of baked goods. A representative of the bakery will meet with you and
other potential designers for a briefing on the detailed requirements of the
packaging. The bakery is anxious to have this problem solved and has also requested
an oral briefing of your design as soon as possible.

1 If necessary, review the Project Management resource to understand the

goals of each project phase outlined below.

Figure 1. Project Management Waterfall

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Initiate—Get Started

2 Attend the kick-off meeting facilitated by the project director to review

the project charter . The project charter is a document that gives the
reason for the project and defines the project scope , objectives, and
constraints.

PLTW ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK

Take notes during the kick-off meeting.

Hint: Pay particular attention to the design constraints, especially in

regards to the sizes of the individual bakery treats as specified in the
Baked Goods Dimension Guide.

3 Review the learning goals identified in the Goals section at the top of the
Problem.

PLTW ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK

Identify how you will demonstrate achievement of each of the learning
goals through solving this problem.

4 Review the Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement Checklists and Rubric.

Important: Ask your teacher questions if you are unclear about the
project expectations, especially the project deliverables, associated
with the problem.

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Plan—Organize and Prepare

5 Form a small group of 3–4 classmates.

6 Collaboratively develop a design brief to identify

stakeholders and clearly understand the problem to be solved,
design criteria, and constraints.

Note: Use the Design Brief Template.

7 Participate in a brainwriting session with your group.

Brainwriting: Brainwriting is a brainstorming technique where

all participants have an equal opportunity to share ideas through
writing.

a. Form a circle with your team.

b. Each team member obtains a set of 5–10 index cards.
c. Individually and silently sketch or write one idea for solving the baker’s
dilemma on an index card.
d. When you have an idea, pass your card to the person on your right.
e. As you receive an idea, you can do one of three things:
Use the other’s idea to stimulate a new idea to write on another index
card.
Use the other’s idea to think of a modification to annotate directly on
the card you received.
Pass the card to the next person.
f. Continue silently generating ideas and annotating ideas you receive until
your teacher calls time.

8 Participate in a peer feedback discussion to review the idea on each index

card. The goal of the feedback session is to provide actionable, constructive

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12/21/2020 Problem 1.4.1 Sweet Improvement

feedback to evaluate each potential idea.

Hint: Consider using the criteria and constraints you established on the
design brief to guide your feedback.

Going forward you will complete the design process individually and develop a unique
solution to the problem.

PLTW ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK

Carefully document your design process. Make at least one entry in your
engineering notebook for every class period. Identify all of your research
sources and sketch all of your ideas in your notebook.

Note: If necessary, review the PLTW Engineering Notebook Checklist and

Rubric for detailed criteria on documenting design work.

9 Choose at least two ideas that resulted from the peer discussion that you are
interested in developing further.

10 Define project tasks that need to be accomplished to successfully complete

the project.

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Project Management: Review the Tips for Effective Task

Definition section in the Project Management resource.

Execute—Carry Out the Work

11 Create a project schedule. Every day, estimate the percent complete on each
identified task (the percentage of the total work required to complete the task
that is complete at that time).

Gantt Chart: A Gantt chart is one method used to graphically

organize a project’s tasks. Each bar in the chart represents a
unique task, and the length of the bar represents the amount of
time you estimate the task taking to complete. Dependencies
between tasks can be shown by having tasks start
simultaneously or by starting one task upon the completion of
another task. You can download a Gantt Chart Template to
modify based on your defined project tasks.

12 Execute the project and develop a solution.

Develop a Solution: Use the Design Process and Experimental

Design resources as needed to develop a solution.

Be sure to include the following tasks in your design process:

Create models to communicate your work during the design process:
Conceptual sketches of design ideas or modifications
3D CAD model(s) of chosen design with associated dimensioned
drawings

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Physical prototype(s) of design(s) using different materials (and optional

3D-printed parts)
Appropriate mathematical model to analyze prototype performance
Document the trade-offs you have made in designing your solution and
the impact of those trade-offs.
Gather all required project documentation including dimensioned
drawings with tolerances.
Use the project schedule to document your progress.

Close—Present and Reflect

13 Present a one-minute oral briefing to share your design work with bakery
representatives.

Presentations: Use the Building Effective Presentations and

Delivering Effective Presentations resource pages as you
prepare for the briefing.

14 Close the project and reflect on your work.

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Problem Reflection

According to your teacher’s instructions, reflect on the following prompts:

. What evidence have you produced to show that you have achieved the
learning goals? How did your learning plan help you focus on your goals? If
you did not meet all of your learning goals, how could you adapt your plan for
upcoming units?
. How did the use of models play a role in executing the design process for
your product? Reflect on the purpose of different models you chose at certain
points in the process.
. How would you self-evaluate your oral presentation skills? Select one
element of delivery that you would like to improve before your next oral
presentation. Outline a strategy you will use to practice developing your
skills. Make periodic entries in your engineering notebook to document your
progress.

Proceed to next unit

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