Design Challenge
Transporting Starburst Fireworks
Design Thinking
Using a Creative Process to Solve Problems
Design Challenge
Our Company: Starburst Fireworks
We sell spherical fireworks that burst into sparkles when lit.
Our company’s problem is related to LOGISTICS. These starbursts are very sensitive to human skin and hard surfaces, so they must be handled with care when transported.
Design Challenge
Transporting Starburst Fireworks
We need to transport them from large vats (containers) to smaller ones, and we’re trying to figure out the safest and most efficient way. We have limited funding, so the materials and tools available to us are also limited.
Materials
large cup (large vat)
small cup (container)
straw (available tool)
foil (available material)
5 pom poms (starbursts)
Your Challenge
RULES:
remain upright and in place.
Design at least TWO ways to transport the
starbursts from a larger container to a smaller one.
RULES:
remain upright and in place.
Design at least TWO ways to transport the starbursts from a
larger container to a smaller one.
By yourself, draw at least one idea you have. Label the parts.
Share your idea with a partner. Discuss potential problems and other ideas. Decide which idea to test first.
Results
On your paper, place a checkmark next
to designs that resulted in the successful
transport of the starbursts.
Sharing
Continue to the next slide to see some
ideas other students have come up with.
Create a “spoon” or “scoop” to lift the starbursts out of the deeper cup and carry to the smaller one.
Pros: many ways to design
it / easy to make
Cons: starbursts can drop
off / difficult to control how
many lifted at one time
Possible Large-Scale Equivalent
tractor / crane scoop
Lift the starbursts
with suction using the straw and carry them
to the smaller cup.
Pros: no modification to the tool / easy to do / foil could be used as a protective mat.
Cons: starbursts can drop / suction has to be constant
Possible Large-Scale Equivalent
pneumatic tube - suction system
Lift the starbursts and send them down a chute to the lower cup.
Pros: less risky if
designed properly
Cons: design may be
difficult / chute needs to
be stable and well-designed
Possible Large-Scale Equivalent
factory chutes
Create “chopsticks” or claws to safely lift and carry starbursts.
Pros: less risk of contact
Cons: risk of dropping / claw or “sticks” might need frequent repair
Possible Large-Scale Equivalent
crane claw or grips
Design Challenge
Transporting Starburst Fireworks
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