CAPSTONE PROJECT

UNO Collaborative

Spring 2018
Natalija Ward
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page Number

Capstone Overview 3

Bookshelf Build

Project Overview 4

Weekly Lesson Plans 5

Capstone Overview
A Capstone Project is a student-led project that provides a service or a need to a nonprofit
organization chosen by staff members at UNO’s Office of Civic and Social Responsibility.
Through this department, a number of students are employed over the course of a semester to
design and execute a Capstone Project under an assigned service area. This group of students
works collectively under the name, “The Collaborative.”
For the duration of the Spring 2018 semester, I was paired with the nonprofit Nebraska
Methodist Upward Bound Math and Science working with Benson High School students in the
metro area. Their goal was to serve 60+ low income or potential first-generation college
students attending that high school, and to expose them to careers in the engineering field. I was
asked for ways to get them involved in engineering and college life, and also to raise their scores
on state assessments over math and science through tutoring.
My ideas were to engage the students in a series of hands-on seminars that I designed with input
from a sample group. The detailed lesson plans are attached below.
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Bookshelf Build
Project Overview

Summary:
In this project, students will work together to be an active creator of their environment. They
will utilize the ten steps of the engineering design process (simplified into five major
sections) to design and construct a bookshelf for the CityLights church space where their
Upward Bound Math and Science program is located.

Project Learning Objectives:

Week #1: Define the Problem.

Summary:
This part of the design process includes four steps: define the problem, research the subject,
determine your limits, and brainstorm solutions. On this day, we will be splitting into teams
(if necessary) and determining our starting direction. We will collect information including
measurements of the space the bookshelf will be in, as well as draw up initial sketches for
our ideas. The task for the next week will be to use what they’ve learned and feedback from
their peers to finalize their sketches.
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Understand the first four steps of the engineering design process.
- Be familiar with how to define and research a problem.
- Draw a rough sketch of their bookshelf idea.
Materials:
1. 2-3 tape measures
2. Scratch paper
3. Pens and pencils
4. Rulers
5. Computers or iPads
Instructions:
Today will last roughly an hour. The first ten minutes will be dedicated to introducing the
students to one another and introducing the project itself to them all. We will go over the
general schedule moving forward and divide into teams if necessary. We will define the
problem together as a group before breaking off to gather research. The next twenty minutes
will be spent taking measurements of the room and searching the internet for already
existing bookshelf designs to inspire them. Students may begin drawing their initial
sketches. The last half hour may be used to continue research or design their sketches with
staff help. They will be encouraged to give feedback on each other and to draw multiple
sketches. The main goal is to have three sketches each for the next time period.
If time remains at the end, we will hold a brief group critique where everyone shares their
sketches so far for feedback.
Homework:
Finish three sketches (including measurements) and bring them to CityLights next Monday.
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Week #2: Modeling

Summary:
This week will focus on the next three steps in the design process: prototyping, choosing a
solution and making a detailed final plan. On this day we will be teaching the students safety
measures about using materials involved in modeling. They will receive assistance in the
form of experienced volunteers in how to cut chipboard to make models from the sketches
we did the previous week.
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Safely handle an X-Acto blade.
- Have experience building a 3D model from a 2D sketch.
- Understand the next three steps in the design process.
Materials:
1. Chipboard
2. X-Acto Blades
3. Glue
4. Extra cardboard
5. Rulers
6. Pens and pencils
7. Sketches from last week
Instructions:
The first ten minutes will be dedicated to introducing the materials and proper safety
techniques. As students begin to make their models, we will announce the steps of the
design process they are entering, and they will gain an understanding of the step through
hands-on experience. The next half hour will be dedicated to making models using X-
Acto blades and chipboards (provided). In the last ten minutes, we will host a discussion
on choosing our final solution and draw the groundwork for a final plan. Nata will finish
the final plan and propose it to Nghia over the course of the next week, and bring back to
class the next Monday for student feedback.
Homework:
Finish models if unable to during class time. (Note: All supplies must stay at CityLights and
adult supervision is necessary to use the blades.)
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Week #3: Initial Construction

Summary:
This week’s step is implement. In our case, this means construction of the bookshelf. We will
review the previous step of detailed design and go over the plans that Nata and Nghia have
looked over and finalized from the weeks prior. We will go over our process and then delve
into the construction.
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Define and read axonometric drawings.
- Understand safety procedures around tools.
- Cut a simple wood board with a tool.
Materials:
1. MDF (3/4 x 49 x 97)
2. Safety glasses
3. Disposable dust masks
4. Plastic tarp
5. Table saw
6. Tape measure
7. Pencils
8. Shelf models and dimension sheets
Instructions:
The first part of the class will be reading and understanding axonometric drawings. Students
will be put into groups and given a copy of the shelf sketch and the axonometric drawing
with all dimensions labels. After a brief introduction, the students will need to use the
models to determine how many pieces of wood of each dimension are necessary. They will
need to submit the correct numbers to Nata before moving on to the next activity.
Volunteers will have prepared wood and table saw for easy and safe usage by students. After
discussing safety in the woodshop, and donning appropriate safety gear, students will get the
opportunity to cut two pieces of MDF with the help of an experienced volunteer.
Students will sweep up the space, wipe down tables and vacuum edges and corners. The
space will be returned to normal before students are allowed to leave.
Homework:
None.
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Week #4: Assembly

Summary:
On this day, students will move on to the actual assembly. All MDF will be cut by this day,
and so students will be able to start right in on a demonstration of how to operate the
various power tools for the day. Students will use the 2D drawings to assemble the bookshelf
in 3D, utilizing teamwork and engaging in a hands-on learning experience.
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Translate a 2D drawing into a 3D structure
- Safely operate a powered screw driver
Materials:
1. Safety glasses
2. Power tools
3. Screws
4. Cut MDF
5. Tape measure
6. Shelf models and dimension sheets
Instructions:
Students will first listen to a guest speaker from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and
learn a little bit about the engineering program. There will then be a demonstration on how
to use the power tools for the day. Volunteers will work one-on-one with students with the
power tools, while others help stabilize the structure and organize pieces. The day will end
up with a group clean up and the structure moved to a safe place.
Homework:
None.
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Week #5: Assembly Continued and Reflection

Summary:
On this day, students will paint the structure and apply any finishing touches. We will then
have a group reflection to finish out the final steps of the engineering design process.
Students will be asked reflection questions and encouraged to have a discussion.
Learning Objectives:
After this lesson, the student will:
- Know reflection strategies
- Be able to receive and give feedback
- Complete the engineering design process
Materials:
1. Paint
2. Paintbrushes
3. Painting tarp or newspapers
4. Aprons (optional)
Instructions:
Students will be equipped with paintbrushes and paint and allowed to paint the bookshelf.
They will spread out a painting tarp or newspapers to protect the ground and then begin the
activity. While working, to keep students engaged, we will begin our reflection. The
discussion will include a review of the engineering design process and then delve into what
the students feel that they have learned. Clean up will include washing paint brushes,
returning materials, and leaving the bookshelf in a space place to dry.
Homework:
None.