Biomimicry – “Laptop Cooling Stand” (Grade 7)
Grade: Seven
Topic: Understanding Life Systems – Interactions in the Environment
Design Challenge:
What is Biomimicry? According to “The Biomimicry Group”, it is the study and imitation of nature's remarkably efficient designs, and the use of these models to create sustainable technologies (http://www.biomimicry.net/). Students will investigate how heat is transferred through conduction, convection and radiation. Using this knowledge, the materials and tools provided, as well as, teacher approved “found items”, students will create a laptop-cooling stand that includes Biomimicry in the design of its cooling system. The cooling system cannot use any electrical power to operate, and must transfer heat away from a laptop by conduction, convection, and radiation.
May 2011 OCTE Elementary Committee – Darren Foy, Richard Michaud, Terry Wilkinson
Materials:
- 1/2" x 24" basswood strips (about five pieces per project);
- 1/4" x 24" basswood (about five pieces per project);
- 1/8" x 12" x 30 Baltic Birch Plywood (one 10" x 12" piece per “flapper” styled project);
- low heat glue sticks (three - four sticks per project);
- balsa wood airplane propellers, with mounts (one propeller per “fan” styled project);
- rubber bands (two - three elastics per project);l
- ¼” - ½” width fabric elastic (12” of length per “flapper styled project);
- gear racks 100 mm (two each for advanced students who wish to design a quick wind system for their fans), use gear racks in conjunction with red plastic gears;
- red plastic gears,10 tooth, with inserts (1 each for advanced students who wish to design a quick wind system for their fans);
- 2 boxes of 100, large paperclips (to be used in a variety of creative way when making the projects e.g., elastic hooks, hinges, etc.);
- 1 box of 1" finishing nails, can be either ardox or regular (use as needed for hinges, strengthening joints, and small drill bits by clipping off the heads so the shaft can be clamped securely in the chuck);
- 1 box of 1 1/2" finishing nails, can be either ardox or regular (use as needed for hinges, strengthening joints, and small drill bits by clipping off the heads so the shaft can be clamped securely in the chuck);
- tinfoil (approx. 1 foot per laptop stand);
- rubberized or heavy fabric (e.g., an old raincoat or pants, old jeans, etc.), this will be cut into strips that are glued along the sealed edge of the flapper to act as a hinge, and to prevent air from escaping out its back when used.
Tools - please note that this list is designed for classroom projects where the use of powered tools is prohibited:
- CSA approved safety glasses/goggles, one pair per person (parent volunteers included);
- 2 eyewash bottles (check expiry durations for decanted fluid) or an eyewash sink;
- 1 first aid kit (consult your Board’s health and safety policy for required size/ contents);
- work gloves, 1 pair per low heat glue gun;
- aprons, 1 per glue gun;
- 1 bucket of cool water per glue gun station (place beyond the reach of a student who is still holding a glue gun that is plugged in);
- 1 low heat (10-15) watt, glue gun for every 3 students;
- 1 fine tooth saw (e.g., coping saw, backsaw, hacksaw, junior hacksaw, etc.) for every 2-3 students,
- 1 fine tooth hand saw (24 tpi minimum), to cut Baltic birch plywood, for every 6 “flapper” styled projects;
- 1 egg beater or pistol grip hand drill for every 5 students;
- 1 pair of long nose pliers, with side cutter, for every 5 students;
- 1 set of Robertson screwdrivers for every 10 students;
- 1 claw hammer for every 5 students;
- 1 C-clamp for every 2-3 students;
- 1 bench hook for every 2-3 students;
- 1 file (8” or longer) for every 5 students;
- sand paper, 1/6 sheet per pair of students (sanding blocks may be used as well);
- 1 pair of scissors for every 5 students (they may use theirs if available);
- 4 instant read (digital) cooking thermometers.