• Sample STEM Design Brief

     

     

    Nuclear Reactor Containment

    STEM Design Challenge

    “NXT Lego Robotics”

     

    Team Members:       ___________________________________

                                    _________________________________________

                                    _________________________________________

                                    _________________________________________

                                    _________________________________________

     

    Block- ____________

     

     

    STEM Challenge-

    Your team must build and program a robot that will collect the uranium fuel rods in the Eagle Ridge Nuclear Reactor before a meltdown will occur.  You robot has enough fuel for two-90 seconds trips into the reactor core that is heavily polluted with radiation.  Your team must place the sum of 7 of the 10 fuel rods in the containment area to save the Eagle Ridge community of a nuclear disaster.  If your team only gets the sum of 7 or less,  ……BOOM – “F”.   May the force be with you!  Each team must print out their programs that they created.

     

    Tips-

    -         Split your team up into builders and programmers.

    -         Possible two programs are needed to go forward and one for reverse.

    -         Design your collection device to hold as many cups as possible.

    -         Have a team member help hold the wires during testing.

     

     

    Typical Reactor Layout ERMS

     

     

     

    Each Team Must have these questions completed by the conclusion of the

    2nd attempt.

     

    Write Internet address used :  www.________________________________

     

    List and describe what each of the 5 components of the containment unit. 10 points each, 50 max.

    1-    Core-

    2-    Fuel Rods-

    3-    Pressurize-

    4-    Heat Exchanger-

    5-    Pump

     

     

    Please describe/outline how energy is created in a nuclear reactor.  50 points max.

     

     

     

     

    What is a “meltdown?” 20 points max.

     

     

     

    List 3 reasons why robotics used in nuclear reactors. 10 points each, 30 point max.

    1-

     

    2-

     

    3-

     

    With the shortage a power across the U.S., should the U. S. pursue the construction of future nuclear reactors?  Pro or Con?  List why with supporting facts and data.  50-point max.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Grading

     

     

     

    Grading 500 total points possible.

     

    Fuel Rod Containment 200 points possible.      

    Each cup is worth 20 points.

    7 cups gathered would be a 70% / D-.

    10 cups gathered would be a 100% / A+.

     

    Computer program 100 points possible.

     

    Written Assessment 200 points possible.

     

     

     

    Your Team Grade:

     

    Number of cups collected  ____ X  20 Points each Cup  =  ______ Points / 200 max

     

    Computer Program- did it work correctly?……………. =  ______ Points / 100 max

     

    Written Assessment-…………………………………...=  ______ Points / 200 max

     

                                

                                                                                ______ Total Points

                                                             

     

     

     

     

    Mr. Walters

    Technology Education 8

    Eagle Ridge Middle School

    LCPS