1. Tennessee SPI Objective: Check for Understanding
SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Notes
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective:
Identify the tools and procedures needed to test the design features of a prototype.
Essential Question
1) What are the ideal tools and testing methods for
testing a given prototype?
Check for Understanding
Students will design a simple prototype and test it
using common scientific tools such as meter sticks,
scales, triple-beam balances, stopwatches, etc.

2. Steps 4 and 5 are the steps of the EDP where we test our prototypes
SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Notes
Science
Steps 4 and 5 are the steps of the
EDP where we test our prototypes
SPI 0807.T/E.1 Identify the tools and procedures needed to
test the design features of a prototype
(1)
(3)
(2)
(4)
(5)

3. Picture of Orville and Wilbur Wright testing their prototype airplane
SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Notes
Science
Engineering Design Process-Prototype Testing
The 4th EDP step is testing your prototype
Often, prototypes do not work very well at first
Testing a prototype can be dangerous (see picture below)
By testing the prototype, the designers identify problems
They fix the problems and then test it again. They repeat this over & over. (This is step 5 of the eng design process.)
Picture of Orville and Wilbur Wright testing their prototype airplane

4. Tools and procedures used in prototype testing
Notes
SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Science
Tools and procedures used in prototype testing
Procedures & tools for prototype testing depend on the type of technology and the purpose for that technology.
For Example: You would not test a new cell phone the same way you would test a new jet airplane or a new football helmet.
Discuss These Questions:
A) How would you test a prototype of a new type of eyeglasses?
B) How would you test a new type of headache medicine?
C) How would you test a new type of camping tent?

5. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie "Batman Begins”
Story Summary:
Billionaire Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered by a criminal
when he is a boy. So he vows to fight crime when he grows up.
He has no superpowers, so he instead uses his brains, his martial
arts skills, and technology to fight crime.
Who are you?
I’m Batman

6. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie "Batman Begins”
In this scene Mr. Fox is showing Mr. Wayne a prototype of a
special material called "memory cloth."
Bruce Wayne
Lucius
Fox
Bruce later uses this cloth to glide through the air.

7. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie "Batman Begins”
In this scene Mr. Fox is showing Mr. Wayne a prototype of a
special vehicle called "the Tumbler." Bruce later uses it as his
"Batmobile" vehicle.
How do you like it?
Does it come in black?

8. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie "Batman Begins”
In this scene Alfred is testing the prototype of Batman's mask by hitting it with a baseball bat.
It fails the test, so they must modify it and re-test it.
STEP 4:
Test and Evaluate
STEP 5:
Modify and Retest

9. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie "Batman Begins”
STEP 4:
Test and Evaluate
In this scene Bruce is making and then testing one of his
bat-shaped throwing "stars"
STEP 3:
Make A Prototype

10. Prototype Testing in the Movies
-The Ironman movies and the Spiderman movies both show prototype testing

11. Prototype Testing in the Movies
-From the movie “The Amazing Spiderman”
In this scene Peter Parker is making and testing
his "web shooters."
EDP Step 3:
Make the prototype
EDP Step 4:
Test the prototype

12. Prototype Testing in the Movies
-From the movie “The Amazing Spiderman”
Watch Video Clip
-See Peter Parker (A.K.A. Spiderman)
test his webshooter prototype in his
"lab" and "in the field."
Link (1 min 21 sec):
Spiderman video Clip

13. Prototype Testing in the Movies -From the movie “Ironman”
Watch Video Clips
1) Tony Stark tests his
mark 2 prototype
Link: Mark 2-Hover Test
2) Tony again tests his
Link: Mark 2-Full Flight Test

14. SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Questions
Science

15. SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Questions
Science

16. SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Questions
Science

17. SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
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Science

18. SPI 0807.T/E.1
(Prototype Testing)
Questions
Science