Testing and Trials: Crash Course Kids #44.2

Key Concepts:

• Engineering process for problem-solving
• Multiple solutions to a single problem
• Criteria for a successful solution
• Variables affecting the outcome
• Isolating variables for testing
• Controlled experiments
• Data organization using tables
• Failure points in solutions
• Mixing and matching variables

1. Introduction: Engineering Problem-Solving and Multiple Solutions

• The video revisits the carnival ring toss game as a context for exploring engineering problem-solving.
• It highlights that engineers often find multiple ways to achieve the same outcome, especially when resources are limited.
• The core question is: How do engineers design multiple tests of different solutions that produce the same outcome?

2. Defining Criteria and Variables

• The criteria for a successful solution in the ring toss game are:
  • Getting the ring around the pin.
  • Achieving this in one toss.
• Identified variables that can affect the outcome:
  • Ring size
  • Distance from the pin
  • Height of the pin
  • How the ring is tossed (overhand, underhand, Frisbee)

3. Experiment 1: Isolating Ring Size

• The initial experiment focused on isolating ring size as the variable.
• Three trials were conducted using a small, medium, and large ring.
• The large ring was found to be the solution that met the criteria.
• The experiment continued to find a failure point by changing the distance from the pin, which revealed that the large ring was no longer effective at a greater distance.

4. Planning and Organizing Tests with Tables

• The video emphasizes the importance of planning and organization when testing multiple solutions.
• Tables are introduced as a tool for tracking variables and test results.
• The criteria for the solution remain the same: one ring, one throw, on the pin.

5. Experiment 2: Isolating Distance from the Pin

• The variable to be isolated is the distance from the pin.
• Three trials are conducted at distances of one, two, and three meters.
• Other variables are kept constant: small ring, medium height pin, underhand toss.
• The results show that standing one meter from the pin achieves the desired outcome.

6. Experiment 3: Isolating Height of the Pin

• The variable to be isolated is the height of the pin.
• Three trials are conducted using a short, medium, and tall pin.
• Other variables are kept constant: small ring, one meter distance, underhand toss.
• The results show that the tall pin achieves the desired outcome.

7. Experiment 4: Isolating the Ring Toss Method

• The variable to be isolated is how the ring is tossed.
• Three trials are conducted using an underhand toss, an overhand toss, and a Frisbee toss.
• Other variables are kept constant: small ring, tall pin, one meter distance.
• The results show that the Frisbee toss achieves the desired outcome.

8. Mixing and Matching Variables

• The video suggests that different combinations of variables can be tested.
• Examples: Frisbee toss with different pin sizes, different toss methods with only the short pin.
• The key is to change only one variable at a time while maintaining the criteria for success.

9. Conclusion: Engineering Principles for Problem-Solving

• It is possible to design several different tests that lead to the same outcome.
• Remember to make a plan to change only one variable at a time and to keep things organized.
• Engineering can be used to solve problems.