Introduction
Dagger Canoe and Kayak is a company that manufactures canoes and kayaks. The canoes are made from sheets of high density polyethylene and vacuum molded. The kayaks are manufactured from polyethylene powder using a rotational mold process. Roy Guinn, vice president of Dagger canoe, is on the Material Science Technology(MST) advisory board at Wartburg Central High School(WCHS). This project will test the material properties of the plastic used to manufacture the kayaks.
Goals
The goals for this project include:
 | Provide an opportunity for the students to work in teams from a different school |
| Demonstrate the practical application of material science to increase interest in Material Science |
| Application of math in material science |
| basic knowledge in material science to spark interest in the field |
Objectives
The objectives for the MST students in Mr. Shoemaker’s and Ms Kocak’s courses include:
| Study the various thermoplastic polymers |
| Learn the procedure for specific tests on polymers |
| Test the properties of high density polyethylene |
The goals for the students in Mr. Lawson’s math class include:
| Description of group roles and expectations |
| Use of equipment(calculators, calipers, micrometers) in gathering data |
| Problem solving techniques |
| Methods in gathering, interpreting and organizing data |
| Use of graphs and charts as a means of communication |
Project Concept
An initial meeting will take place with representatives of Dagger Canoe to present our idea and proposed tests. Questions will be asked such as why was this particular material was chosen, are there tests being done, what type of quality control standards do they have in place, is there any type of failure analysis, and are there any specific items they would like addressed in the study. After talking to Dagger Canoe, it is expected that the scope of this project will be revised.
A group meeting will take place with the MST students at WCHS. The project will be outlined and the multi-school team will be organized by the students and specific tasks defined.
The samples are to be made at WCHS. Testing will take place on both campuses. It is expected that the tests will include a tensile, Charpy impact, three point bending, scratch and hardness tests at various temperatures,
The results will be shared and each MST class will analyze the results. The students will then meet at WCHS to review their findings and determine their conclusions. One final report will be written and the students will present to representatives at Dagger Canoe.
Math students will help record the data and organize the information in tables and graphs. The graphs will be used to determine the trends of the test. The math students will help present the information in the written and oral report to Dagger Canoe.
Timeline
Table 1 Faculty Timeline
People Responsible |
Task |
Proposed Completion Date |
Shoemaker, Guinn |
Contact Dagger Canoe |
8/15/97 |
Kocak |
Research the type and procedures of the tests to be used on the plastic |
9/1/97 |
Shoemaker, Lawson, Kocak |
Present project to students at group meeting |
9/7/97 |
Shoemaker, Lawson, Kocak |
Advise students in project |
12/15/97 |
Table 2 Student Timeline
People Responsible |
Task |
Proposed Completion Date |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Meet at WCHS for group meeting |
9/7/97 |
WCHS |
Make samples |
10/1/97 |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Test samples |
10/21/97 |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Reduce data |
11/1/97 |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Meet at WCHS to finalize conclusions |
11/1/97 |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Prepare report and presentation |
11/25/97 |
WCHS, PSTCC |
Presentation to Dagger Canoe |
12/1/97 |
Word 97 doc file of this project: tennessee.doc
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