1. “Failure is Always an Option”
Scott Coffel, HCTC Director Sarah Livesay, PhD
Assistant Director

2. Assignment Preview 1000-1250 words One figure Three credible sources
Two mandatory drafts (first and final)
10% of overall course grade

3. Writing Prompt
Read a short essay by civil engineer Henry Petroski titled "Failure is Always an Option,” which analyzes the failure of NASA’s Columbia space shuttle.
Draft and revise your own essay that addresses a structural and ethical failure for a general audience.

4. Engineering Requirements
Choose a structural failure (building, bridge, dam, tunnel, etc.) that can be used to explain Statics to a general audience.
Analyze how and why the structure failed by incorporating your knowledge of Statics concepts such as equilibrium, moments, loads, and forces.

5. Ethics Requirements
Discuss the ethical factors that contributed to the failure (undetected design flaws, an absence of safety regulations, etc.).
Reflect on the broader ethical challenges engineers face when designing and maintaining structures.

6. Format and Style Requirements
Include at least one figure (with caption and citation) to illustrate relevant Statics concepts.
Use and cite at least three credible sources (not Wikipedia) in APA format.
Use clear, straightforward language and active verbs (“The cables lifted the deck of the bridge, causing a downward force…”).

7. 10% Procedural Points
Submit your first draft to the Canvas Assignment module on time. The draft must also be complete (following all length and format requirements) for full credit. (5% of assignment grade)
Schedule and attend an appointment at the HCTC between February 22 – April 25. (5% of assignment grade)
Appointment location: 2224 SC To make an appointment, go to our home page and click "Schedule now”

8. Resources Petroski Article (must read and cite in your essay)
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Case Study (cannot use this as the subject of your essay)
Engineering Case Studies Online
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers
Assignment, Evaluation Sheet
Sample Essays

9. Schedule and Deadlines
March 22 (Wed.) First draft due to ICON/Canvas Assignment module by 4:00 p.m.
Week of April 3 Drafts returned via ICON
February 22 – Attend appointment at the HCTC
April 25
April 26 (Wed.) Final paper due to ICON/Canvas Assignment module by 4:00 p.m.
Week of May 8 Final papers returned via ICON

10. Example: “Smith, Jane, 0BBB, Draft”
HCTC Requirements
Name your files: Last name, First name, Statics Section, Draft/final
Example: “Smith, Jane, 0BBB, Draft”
When you come to the HCTC for your appointment, bring a printed copy of your paper. If your first draft has been evaluated, print 1) your rubric and 2) your paper with the grader’s comments.
Late Policy: Late work will not be accepted. Rare exceptions will be made for documented illnesses or emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Further information can be found at

11. Questions?
Stop by the Hanson Center at 2224 SC

12. Thank You “What is written without effort is read without pleasure.”
—Samuel Johnson