-         Form groups of 3-4 persons

-         Each group must come up with a simple annoying thing in life and list along with the example problems shown below. (take ~10 minutes). During this phase students should ONLY work on problems. Groups should have one note-taker who writes the problems on a sheet of paper for the next step.

-         Groups pass their problems clockwise on to the next group. All groups should have a set of problems and should brainstorm on solutions. Document problems and solutions in you engineering notebook. Give students 10 minutes to work on solutions and then pass the solutions around for another round.

-         After problem sets make it back around to original groups each class member should choose a problem and solution and present a solution. Solutions can be critiqued on feasibility, cost, or marketability.

 

Example problems (which can be used):

 

-         When trying to remove a bag of trash from the kitchen trash can – the suction of the bag makes it very difficult to pull the bag out.

-         When walking a dog the whenever the dog walk in front or around you the leash gets tangled around the dogs legs.

-         My book bag has so many books it is incredibly heavy.

-         The indestructibly plastic stuff that most toys and other consumer products are packaged in is too difficult to open.

-         I keep losing my pens.

-         When I leave clothes in the laundry hamper for a few days before washing them it begins to smell bad.

-         Do not like leaning over a toilet in a public bathroom to flush the toilet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes: Students should be encouraged to document thoughts and problems to an engineering notebook.

This is a pure brainstorming exercise, outrageous ideas should not be discouraged, however feasibility of solutions should be reviewed.