Balsa+Wood+Single+Piece

** Problem Solving Activity: Balsa Wood Strength **
 * [[image:Balsa.gif align="center"]] || ** DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT **

** Compression Strength Testing ** ** Single Vertical Piece ** ||
 * //Balsa Tree// ||  ||

Students will form teams and identify the structural integrity of balsa wood by performing several tests and sharing results to accumulate data to design a balsa cube.
 * __ PROBLEM / OBJECTIVE: __**

Test several different balsa wood samples and determine the attributes makes a strong structure.
 * __ ACTIVITY: __**

(The designer of this activity has the option to change any or all parts as needed to control, enhance, and foster learning.)
 * __ SPECIFICATIONS: __**


 * 1) Using the pressure testing apparatuses test different variation of balsa wood (3” in length) and determine the weight that each piece can withstand. When choosing wood pieces look at texture and grain. Select three different pieces.
 * 2) Locate three pieces of balsa with similar characteristics. In all you will have nine pieces of 3” balsa wood strips in three different grain variations.
 * 3) Place each piece in the apparatus and test for strength. Test your samples in groups of three so that you can list the differences easily on the chart.
 * 4) Complete the chart. Be sure to calculate average weights held and the characteristic of the wood sample. Also not where the pieces broke.
 * Resources: ** Balsa Wood, Exacta Knife


 * __ ASSESSMENT: __**

**Novice** || **2** **Apprentice** || **3** **Proficient** || **4** **Distinguish** ||
 * **CRITERIA** || **1**
 * **Specifications** || Does not meet specifications || Meets some only some requirements || Meets all specifications || Specifications exceeded ||
 * **Effort** || Little time spent focused on work || Insufficient time spent on activity || Organized and used time well || Effort goes beyond class expectations ||
 * **Concepts**
 * Understanding** || Limited understanding of concepts || Shows some basic but incomplete under-standing of concepts || Shows a very good understanding of concepts || Shows a deep comprehension of concepts ||
 * **Craftsmanship**
 * Appearance** || Messy; Work sloppy and rushed, tools not used properly. || Some care taken with appearance; most tools used properly || Carefully made using appropriate tools || Work is very neat and attractive; excellent use of all tools ||
 * **Performance**
 * Effectiveness** || Not effective, does not meet performance goals || Somewhat effective, but does not meet goals || Effective presentation, meets goals || Very effective, exceeds goals ||
 * ** 50 point activity ** || 35-37 || 38-42 || 43-45 || 46-50 ||