Engineering/Computer Science Slide Deck Template
Formatting Guidelines:
Sunscreen applier
Problem: The back is a high-risk location for skin cancer, especially in men. The center of the back is hard to reach for most people without assistance. The rates of solo travel and recreation are increasing. Additionally, elderly and disabled people have a psychological need for self-reliance.
Therefore, many people need a way to apply sunscreen to their back unassisted.
Name: Max Feng, Dylan Singley and Jasper Peterson
School: Meadow Park Elementary
Teacher: Ms. Hedstrom
Abstract
Problem & Solution:
Our problem was that we needed a way to apply sunscreen to one’s back without any other assistance. So, we decided to build an invention that works like the back-scratcher to reduce sunburns and skin cancer on backs.
Procedures:
We started by planning out how the invention would work and what materials we needed, then after we decided that, we went to go get the supplies. We built the first prototype which leaked. The second prototype didn’t have a way to replenish air back into the bottle so it just gets stuck. With the third and final prototype, we decided to scrap our first idea completely and improve it, which then it required less materials than the first prototypes, but worked even better. The umbrella we used also could act as an umbrella to block the sun’s radiation while you apply sunscreen.
Data & Brief Analysis:
We found that the first few tests with the first 2 prototypes all had a common problem, leaking, so in our final prototype we scrapped the tube and made it so you squeeze the sunscreen on the roller yourself, which solved the problem of leaking and vacuuming.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, We had to do many tests and remakes for this seemingly easy project to work. Our proposed solution was validated because it fit our criteria. 1. Being able to apply sunscreen evenly onto our backs. 2. Being cheap enough to be affordable by solo-travellers. 3.Having another use other than applying sunscreen.
Research
Background Research:
The back is a high-risk location for skin cancer, (Fred Hutch Cancer Center, 2025).especially in men.
The center of the back is hard to reach for most people without assistance.
The rates of solo travel and recreation are increasing. (Nancy Barkley, 2025)
Additionally, elderly and disabled people have a psychological need for self-reliance. (Jane & Anna, 2022)
Criteria:
The solution to this problem must be a device that allows the user to thoroughly apply sunscreen to their back, unassisted.
Constraints:
The materials cannot be too expensive to allow mass production and sale. The device must be usable by anyone 16 and older, who may find themselves in an outdoor recreational environment by themselves.
Our Criteria is that we have to design and make this contraption with constraints like limited materials, time and the fact that we all are available at different times.
Current solution to the problem:
Aerosol spray sunscreen
Engineering Prototype or Model
Our initial prototype consisted of a sunscreen bottle with a metal straw inserted into it. We glued a 3D-printed cube onto the straw, to spread the sunscreen onto a paint roller, which would be applied to the user’s back. When we tested it, the sunscreen leaked out between the straw and cube, creating a mess and preventing it from flowing onto the roller.
Explain your initial prototype or model that you designed and tested to solve your Problem. You should include pictures, drawings, diagrams or experimental set-up. Be sure to include LABELS on ALL drawings, diagrams, or photos.
3D-printed cube
Straw
Sunscreen
Materials
Actual project:
Procedures
Initial Prototype Creation
Step 1: 3D print plastic cube.
Step 2: Insert straw into sunscreen bottle.
Step 3: Insert straw into plastic cube.
Testing
Step 1: Squeeze bottle to test whether sunscreen leaks.
Step 2: Sunscreen leaks; re-design prototype.
Prototype Revision
Step 1: Draw new design.
Step 2: Drill holes into PVC pipe; insert screw at desired length; 3D cube; hot glue medical tubing to the hole in the cube; insert 0.4 cm tube into 0.7 cm medical tubing at one end and into sunscreen bottle at other end; affix velcro to outside of cube; attach cube to pipe with Super Glue; insert sponge into cube.
Step 3:
Testing
Step 1:squeeze the sunscreen bottle
Step 2: keep squeezing until the sunscreen fills the tube
Step 3:Apply
We started off by drafting and drawing a simple plan of what the applier would look like, then we worked together to create a small prototype, then, we bought materials needed for construction and started making the actual product. The product has many 3D printed pieces that help piece everything together.
List and number all the steps/procedures you followed to complete your project. This should be specifically written so others may replicate your exact steps.
Be sure to include steps for revisions to your prototype, model, or computer code and re-testing procedures.
When we built our first prototype, our tubing was too flimsy and needed supports so we added a stronger connection point which helped a lot.
Initial Testing & Results - Data/Observations
Prototype or Model Revisions
Strengthened the connection points and thickened the rod to make it stronger. We then started working on our actual project, incorporating the successful parts of both prototypes and making it into one.
Known issues: Roller slightly to large for light travel,
Known issues: Can start to become a sticky mess
Describe revisions to the initial design of your prototype, model, or computer code. You should include pictures, drawings, or diagrams. Be sure to include LABELS on ALL drawings, diagrams, or photos.
Explain WHAT you changed and WHY you revised your prototype or model.
Now our project is both durable and usable as proven from our tests.
Retesting & Results - Data/Observations
Use these questions to discuss your conclusions:
What was the prototype, model, or computer code (solution) that solved your Problem?
The solution that solved our problem was the umbrella and roller solution.
Were you able to scientifically explain why you got the results that you did?
From an engineering perspective, we could explain why we got the results that we got because the first few prototypes weren’t sturdy enough and sealed everything inside, preventing the invention from doing its job.
Did your data verify or not verify your initial prototype or model?
Our data verified our initial prototype because we kept the same idea but improved the prototypes for everyday use.
Did your project turn out as you expected?
Our project did not turn out as we expected since we were so sure the first prototype would work, but it didn’t so we had to think of another idea on the spot.
Summarize and Analyze your data including patterns, trends, errors and variables that could have influenced the results.
We found that both the first and second prototypes all leaked sunscreen out of the tubes, so we just scrapped the tube entirely.
If data was collected, use appropriate statistics (average, % error, and a variety of statistical tests) to analyze your results.
Our results were mostly positive, but the leaking and vacuum problem was annoying.
You may want to discuss how your prototype is an improvement or advancement over what is currently available.
This device is an improvement over spray-on sunscreen, which is bad for the environment as it relies on aerosol and less effective than traditional lotion sunscreen. Damages coral reefs, banned in Hawaii. Swim shirts can chafe while you are doing activities.
If available, relate your findings to other studies that are related to your problem or your prototype/model.
Conclusion/Results Discussion
Application/Future Research
References Cited
List all citations and resources (print and electronic, including personal interviews) in alphabetical order using the APA Citation Guide.
See examples at: https://www.mendeley.com/guides/apa-citation-guide
Citation Requirements:
The following slides are for the IUSD Fair Only
Should you be selected to move on to the OCSEF fair, the following 6 slides will need to be deleted. The video/images from these slides will be uploaded to the OCSEF website.
OCSEF slide limit is 12!!
Delete this slide before submitting your project to the IUSD Science Fair
14
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Idea 1
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Idea 2
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