Lesson 13

Read pages 304 - 319

Lesson 13: Evaluating the Design and Function of Machines

Since the beginning of time man has dreamed of flying, today it is taken for granted that we can fly almost anywhere in the word. There are many machines which have been design for flight. Think about what you know about flight and what you know about how planes developed. How did the design change over the years. What issues caused changes in design? What would you change about the design of the planes that you see now? What questions would you ask about the design to decide what features to change.

Here is a comparison of different flight methods. Use the questions to compare the features of each design. Based on your current knowledge and opinions enter in how you think that each flying machine compares. (1 means best and 4 means worst) Then total the amounts for each column. Remember that the machine with the lowest rating will be the best machine.

Boeing 757 airplane
Hot Air Balloon
Hang Gliding
Helicopter
energy
efficiency
convenient
safety
effective
What are your totals for each type of flight?

My total for the airplane is ...
My total for the balloon is ...
My total for hang gliding is ...
My total for the helicopter is ...
The flight machine which I feel has the best design based on the above criteria is ...
Conclusion
Whichever machine that you choose as the best design is okay. There is no correct answer, but what is important is that your opinion is based on some sort of logical criteria.


Exercise 4.4

Galaxy Quest
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