Resource: Testing with Models

Print Background Essay

When creating a new design or invention, it is important first to identify the goals or desired qualities for the invention and then to brainstorm or sketch out the possible solutions. These initial steps allow designers to represent their ideas visually and share their ideas with other members of their team. In many cases, once the brainstorming phase is complete, designers create and test a three-dimensional model of their design before constructing the object.

A scale model can be used to represent a larger object, such as a car or skyscraper, in order to save time and money while perfecting the design. It is much easier to make changes to a scale model than it would be to make a change to the large object in the middle of the construction phase. Perhaps something that looked good on paper will not work properly when constructed.  For example, Auguste Bertholdi created many models of the Statue of Liberty before he built the actual statue, which stands at 152 feet tall. In fact, one of the models was only 21 inches tall. Scientists are also currently working on models of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as they study the structure and devise ways to keep the tower from toppling over.  

In some cases, there may be no need for a scale model, but there may be a need to construct a prototype before mass production begins. A prototype is a functional, full-scale model on which an object is patterned. Engineers can use prototypes to communicate their design ideas to other designers, as well as clients and consumers. The prototypes can be used to test the design and function of a product before it is sold on the market. For example, a prototype of a new running shoe can be sent out to runners who are willing to test the performance of the shoe. After completing the trial period, runners submit their feedback regarding the shoe's performance. In addition to testing the product's function, designers can use the prototype to evaluate the materials used. Perhaps the type of material that was initially chosen does not work well. It also is a chance to look at the size of the parts in relation to each other. Designers can use the information gathered to make changes to their design before sending a final version of the shoe to the factory for mass production.

To learn about how engineers are trying to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa, check out The Leaning Tower: Where It Stands Today HTML Document.

To learn more about the design process, check out Kid Designer: A Comfortable Cardboard Chair QuickTime Video.

To learn about footwear design, check out Easy-Fit Design QuickTime Video.

Print Questions for Discussion

• Explain the problem the CyberSquad faces in this video segment. How will the "Trojan  Ducky" help solve this problem?
• How did the CyberSquad test their idea? What were the steps?
• What is the purpose of building a model? What are some of the ways that building a model helped the characters plan how to build their "Trojan Ducky"?
• The kids' first model didn't work exactly as Digit thought it should. What was the problem?
• Can you think of other situations in which building a scale model could be helpful?