OBJECTIVE 6.0OBJECTIVE 6.0

Develop abilities to communicate Develop abilities to communicate effectively in a technological worldeffectively in a technological world

Objective 6.01Objective 6.01

List the parts of a technical reportList the parts of a technical report Describe the purpose of a technical reportDescribe the purpose of a technical report Describe how to prepare and deliver a Describe how to prepare and deliver a

presentationpresentation

Technical ReportsTechnical Reports Are used to convey technical Are used to convey technical

information to other people.information to other people.

Usually consist of six (6) elements.Usually consist of six (6) elements. Elements pertains to information the Elements pertains to information the reader generally wants to know.reader generally wants to know.

Elements of Technical ReportsElements of Technical Reports1.1. IntroductionIntroduction – What can be gained from reading – What can be gained from reading

the report?the report?

2.2. MethodMethod - Was the process or procedure sound? - Was the process or procedure sound?

3.3. Results/DiscussionResults/Discussion - What was the results of the - What was the results of the process or procedure, and how are the results process or procedure, and how are the results interpreted?interpreted?

4.4. ConclusionsConclusions - - What is important about the What is important about the results?results?

5.5. RecommendationsRecommendations - What can be changed or - What can be changed or improved?improved?

6.6. ReferencesReferences - - What other sources of information What other sources of information are included in the report?are included in the report?

IntroductionIntroduction

Provides a focus for the report. It:Provides a focus for the report. It:

(1) (1) describes the reason for the reportdescribes the reason for the report

(2) (2) states the main points of the reportstates the main points of the report

(3) (3) provides background informationprovides background information

MethodMethod of Obtaining Facts of Obtaining Facts

Describes how the technical process or Describes how the technical process or activity was developed.activity was developed. Specifically it:Specifically it:

(1) (1) describes the research and/or describes the research and/or design processdesign process

(2) (2) describes the tools and/or describes the tools and/or procedures usedprocedures used

Results or DiscussionResults or Discussion

The results of the technical process or he results of the technical process or procedure are described and discussed.procedure are described and discussed.

Data is presented in one (1) of two (2) ways:Data is presented in one (1) of two (2) ways:

(1) (1) With tables and graphs (usually with With tables and graphs (usually with graphs information can be interpreted graphs information can be interpreted quickly)quickly)

(2) (2) In sentence formIn sentence form

ConclusionConclusion

The importance of the results is The importance of the results is established in this section. As part of established in this section. As part of the conclusion:the conclusion:

1.1. The meaning of the results are explained The meaning of the results are explained in relation to the original research in relation to the original research question or problem.question or problem.

2.2. Conclusions are expressed using general Conclusions are expressed using general statements based on results obtained statements based on results obtained from the research, process, or from the research, process, or procedure.procedure.

RecommendationsRecommendations

If recommendations are appropriate, they If recommendations are appropriate, they should be based on the conclusions of the should be based on the conclusions of the results or data.results or data.

Recommendations are important to readers.Recommendations are important to readers.

They can help readers avoid duplicating They can help readers avoid duplicating work that has already been done.work that has already been done.

If there are no recommendations this section If there are no recommendations this section can be omitted.can be omitted.

ReferencesReferences

Credit is given to other sources of Credit is given to other sources of information used in the report. Work information used in the report. Work by others should be: by others should be:

1)1) Acknowledged in the text of the reportAcknowledged in the text of the report2)2) Listed in this section in proper form.Listed in this section in proper form.

The failure to credit resources in a The failure to credit resources in a technical report is known as technical report is known as plagiarism.plagiarism.

Visual AidsVisual Aids

They can be an important part of a technical They can be an important part of a technical report. report. When used correctly, visual aids When used correctly, visual aids can provide more information than written can provide more information than written wordswords..

Types of Visual Aids:Types of Visual Aids:

1.1. drawingsdrawings2.2. photographsphotographs3.3. tables tables 4.4. diagrams diagrams 5.5. charts charts 6.6. graphs graphs

Rules for Using Visual AidsRules for Using Visual Aids

1.1. Use visual aids where they will achieve Use visual aids where they will achieve the communication objectives.the communication objectives.

2.2. Use visual aids appropriate to the Use visual aids appropriate to the objective.objective.

3.3. Use visual aids that are not complicated Use visual aids that are not complicated and are pleasing to the eye.and are pleasing to the eye.

4.4. Make visual aids a part of the text.Make visual aids a part of the text.

Oral PresentationsOral PresentationsWriting the presentationWriting the presentation1. 1. Topic Topic - make sure the topic is narrow and can be fully covered within - make sure the topic is narrow and can be fully covered within

the allotted time for the representation.the allotted time for the representation.

2. 2. Research Research - Thoroughly research the topic and properly document - Thoroughly research the topic and properly document resources.resources.a. Use current and scholarly resources.a. Use current and scholarly resources.b. Place pertinent information on note cards for future reference.b. Place pertinent information on note cards for future reference.

3. 3. Approach Approach - choose your focus:- choose your focus:a. Describing or explaining a subjecta. Describing or explaining a subjectb. Presenting a point of viewb. Presenting a point of view

4. 4. Outline Outline - using your note cards from research, organize your - using your note cards from research, organize your thoughts in a written format.thoughts in a written format.a. Introduce the subjecta. Introduce the subjectb. Make major pointsb. Make major pointsc. Conclusionc. Conclusion

Preparing for the presentationPreparing for the presentation1. 1. Practice the presentation several times.Practice the presentation several times.

2. 2. Select appropriate attireSelect appropriate attire..

3. 3. Visit the site Visit the site of the presentation to become comfortable of the presentation to become comfortable and familiar with the surroundings.and familiar with the surroundings.

(a) Ensure that equipment and materials are (a) Ensure that equipment and materials are available if needed.available if needed.

4. 4. Make visual aids Make visual aids - visual aids can be in the form of - visual aids can be in the form of handouts, transparencies, film strips, video, chalkboard, or handouts, transparencies, film strips, video, chalkboard, or butcher paper. Visual aids should meet the following criteria:butcher paper. Visual aids should meet the following criteria:

(a) Easily read by the audience(a) Easily read by the audience(b) Help the audience gain a better idea of what you (b) Help the audience gain a better idea of what you are talking aboutare talking about(c) Emphasize a point(c) Emphasize a point

Giving the presentationGiving the presentation1. Posture - stand up straight. Limit 1. Posture - stand up straight. Limit

movementmovement

2. Eye Contact - look into the eyes of people 2. Eye Contact - look into the eyes of people in the audiencein the audience

3. Voice - loud, clear, articulate3. Voice - loud, clear, articulate

4. Speech - use proper grammar and 4. Speech - use proper grammar and pronunciationpronunciation

SAMPLE REPORT

The FlashMetric 500 Racer

byJohn Doe and John Smith

May 3, 1996

Fundamentals of Technology

Period 2

OUTLINEOUTLINE

1. Introduction1. Introduction

2. Method2. Methoda. Material and Equipmenta. Material and Equipmentb. Designb. Designc. Prototypec. Prototyped. Testingd. Testinge. Productione. Productionf. Competitionf. Competition

3. Results and Discussion3. Results and Discussiona. Testing Prototypea. Testing Prototypeb. Testing the Production Modelb. Testing the Production Modelc. Competitionc. Competition

4. Conclusions4. Conclusions

5. Recommendations5. Recommendations

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

The Fundamentals of Technology class has studied problem solving, Metric measurement, sketching The Fundamentals of Technology class has studied problem solving, Metric measurement, sketching and drawing, computer-aided drafting (CAD), design systems, and model materials and processes. As a and drawing, computer-aided drafting (CAD), design systems, and model materials and processes. As a culmination of these activities, the class was given the assignment of designing, building and testing culmination of these activities, the class was given the assignment of designing, building and testing Metric 500 Racers. The Metric 500 Racer is a model car made of wood which is powered by a CO2 Metric 500 Racers. The Metric 500 Racer is a model car made of wood which is powered by a CO2 cartridge.cartridge.

For this assignment, the class was divided into groups of two. Each group was given the required For this assignment, the class was divided into groups of two. Each group was given the required materials and instructions to produce a car. We were also provided with specifications for the CO2 materials and instructions to produce a car. We were also provided with specifications for the CO2 Racer and race rules.Racer and race rules.

METHODMETHOD

Materials and Equipment Materials and Equipment

For this project, we were given the following materials to use in producing a winning CO2 car:For this project, we were given the following materials to use in producing a winning CO2 car:Drawing materials (paper, drafting tools, etc.)Drawing materials (paper, drafting tools, etc.)

1 Styrofoam blank1 Styrofoam blank1 CO2 car blank made of bass wood1 CO2 car blank made of bass wood2 axles2 axles2 rear wheels2 rear wheels2 front wheels2 front wheels1 drinking straw1 drinking straw4 washers4 washers2 eyelet screws2 eyelet screws

In addition to the materials listed above, we were given access to the necessary tools and equipment In addition to the materials listed above, we were given access to the necessary tools and equipment for building a car.for building a car.

DesignDesignOur first step in producing a winning CO2 racer was to put our design on paper. To do this, we Our first step in producing a winning CO2 racer was to put our design on paper. To do this, we had to agree on a design. We applied the problem solving process to come up with our design. had to agree on a design. We applied the problem solving process to come up with our design. We produced a drawing of our car that includes a top, side, and front view. We were very We produced a drawing of our car that includes a top, side, and front view. We were very careful to follow the specifications for a legal racer.careful to follow the specifications for a legal racer.

PrototypePrototypeOnce the drawing was complete, we transferred the drawing to the Styrofoam blank to produce Once the drawing was complete, we transferred the drawing to the Styrofoam blank to produce a prototype of our car. We used saws and sandpaper to shape the Styrofoam into the car we a prototype of our car. We used saws and sandpaper to shape the Styrofoam into the car we hoped to produce.hoped to produce.

TestingTestingWe placed the finished prototype in a wind tunnel to test the aerodynamics of our design. We We placed the finished prototype in a wind tunnel to test the aerodynamics of our design. We used smoke to find areas on the car that could produce unwanted drag. We modified our used smoke to find areas on the car that could produce unwanted drag. We modified our design several times until we had a prototype that seemed to produce minimum drag.design several times until we had a prototype that seemed to produce minimum drag.

ProductionProductionWe modified our drawings based on the tested prototype. Next, we transferred our revised We modified our drawings based on the tested prototype. Next, we transferred our revised drawing to the wood blank. We drilled the axle holes in the body using a drill press and then drawing to the wood blank. We drilled the axle holes in the body using a drill press and then used saws, sandpaper, and a Dremil tool to shape our racer. We used very fine sandpaper to used saws, sandpaper, and a Dremil tool to shape our racer. We used very fine sandpaper to produce a smooth finish on the body of the car. Next, we installed the wheels and eyelet produce a smooth finish on the body of the car. Next, we installed the wheels and eyelet screws. We tested our car in the wind tunnel and recorded the drag measurements. Other screws. We tested our car in the wind tunnel and recorded the drag measurements. Other groups did the same. The class did this so we could compare race times against drag groups did the same. The class did this so we could compare race times against drag measurements to identify body styles that perform the best.measurements to identify body styles that perform the best.

CompetitionCompetitionWe raced our car against other groups using a standard double elimination race format. Two We raced our car against other groups using a standard double elimination race format. Two cars at a time were raced on a 60 foot track. The racers were computer controlled, and the race cars at a time were raced on a 60 foot track. The racers were computer controlled, and the race times were recorded for future referencetimes were recorded for future reference..

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONRESULTS AND DISCUSSIONResultsResultsThe following table lists the race times for all groups in the class. Our group is Group 3. AsThe following table lists the race times for all groups in the class. Our group is Group 3. Asindicated, our CO2 car placed 2nd.indicated, our CO2 car placed 2nd.Race ResultsRace ResultsGroup # Group # Race Time (Sec.)Race Time (Sec.)6 6 .965.9653 3 .993.9931 1 1.031.035 5 1.211.218 8 1.491.492 2 1.501.504 4 1.581.587 7 2.032.03The following table lists the results of the wind tunnel test for each car which was conducted The following table lists the results of the wind tunnel test for each car which was conducted prior to the race. Drag was measured in grams using a spring scale attached to the front of the prior to the race. Drag was measured in grams using a spring scale attached to the front of the car being tested. The higher the reading on the spring scale, the greater the drag on the car car being tested. The higher the reading on the spring scale, the greater the drag on the car body.body.

Drag Test ResultsDrag Test ResultsGroup # Group # Drag (grams)Drag (grams)1 1 21212 2 32323 3 18184 4 35355 5 26266 6 16167 7 46468 8 2828

DiscussionDiscussionThe race results and drag test results were compared to determine if drag had a definite effect The race results and drag test results were compared to determine if drag had a definite effect on race times. The following is a table showing the correlation of race time to drag test on race times. The following is a table showing the correlation of race time to drag test measurements. A definite relationship between drag and race times was found to exist.measurements. A definite relationship between drag and race times was found to exist.Race Time to Drag AnalysisRace Time to Drag AnalysisGroup # Group # Race Time (Sec) Race Time (Sec) Drag (grams)Drag (grams)6 6 .965.965 16163 3 .993 .993 18181 1 1.03 1.03 21215 5 1.21 1.21 26268 8 1.49 1.49 28282 2 1.50 1.50 32324 4 1.58 1.58 35357 7 2.03 2.03 4646

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

Cars with lower drag measurement had better race times. Persons with access to drag Cars with lower drag measurement had better race times. Persons with access to drag measurements could closely predict the race outcome. Testing cars in the wind tunnel is an measurements could closely predict the race outcome. Testing cars in the wind tunnel is an important part of building a winning car. Building and testing a prototype from Styrofoam important part of building a winning car. Building and testing a prototype from Styrofoam enabled us to refine our design without wasting wood blanks.enabled us to refine our design without wasting wood blanks.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

Anyone designing and building a car to race should follow the specifications closely to Anyone designing and building a car to race should follow the specifications closely to prevent disqualification. Also, they should produce a Styrofoam prototype and test it in a wind prevent disqualification. Also, they should produce a Styrofoam prototype and test it in a wind tunnel. This will allow them to make changes to their design without wasting wood blanks. tunnel. This will allow them to make changes to their design without wasting wood blanks. Teams should test their final car in a wind tunnel to determine its drag. We recommend Teams should test their final car in a wind tunnel to determine its drag. We recommend keeping the results of the drag test a secret to prevent others from predicting the race results. keeping the results of the drag test a secret to prevent others from predicting the race results. Teams should research previous race data to determine drag measurements and race times of Teams should research previous race data to determine drag measurements and race times of better performing cars.better performing cars.