The "Snowman Preservation Challenge

Day 2
Challenge Overview:The "Snowman Preservation Challenge" is a unique and engaging engineering design challenge aimed at young learners. Its relevance in today's world lies in its alignment with sustainable practices and environmental conservation, focusing on the broader concepts of temperature regulation and insulation. This challenge provides a practical application of these concepts, encouraging young engineers to think creatively and innovatively.
Challenge Statement: Participants are tasked with designing a solution to prevent a snowman (represented by an ice cube) from melting for as long as possible under controlled conditions. The challenge highlights the importance of understanding thermal energy, insulation, and environmental impact.
Background/Scenario: Imagine a world where our beloved snowmen are at risk due to rising temperatures. This scenario is not just a fantasy but reflects real-world issues of climate change and environmental sustainability. Participants are invited to step into the role of engineers who must develop a solution to protect our snowman friends from melting. This challenge not only fosters scientific understanding but also promotes awareness of environmental conservation.
Connection to Children's Book: This challenge is inspired by the book "Sneezy the Snowman" by Maureen Wright, where a snowman struggles to stay cold in various scenarios. This connection makes the challenge relatable and engaging for children, providing a narrative foundation for their engineering solutions.
Challenge Categories:

1. Material Innovation: Focus on finding and using unique materials that provide the best insulation.
2. Design and Aesthetics: Create a solution that is not only functional but also visually appealing.
3. Sustainability: Solutions that use eco-friendly or recycled materials get extra points.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Develop a cost-efficient method for large-scale application.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submissions must include a written report detailing the design process and materials used.
• A visual representation (drawing, model, or digital design) of the proposed solution must be included.
• Participants must use safe, non-toxic, and easily accessible materials.
• Submissions must include a reflection on how the design could be applied in real-world scenarios.

Judging Criteria:

1. Effectiveness: How well does the design prevent the snowman (ice cube) from melting?
2. Innovation: Creativity and uniqueness of the solution.
3. Sustainability: Use of environmentally friendly materials.
4. Feasibility: Practicality of the design for real-world application.
5. Presentation: Clarity and thoroughness of the written report and visual representation.

NGSS Standards Connection:This challenge aligns with several Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

• K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
• 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.