Measured motion & fair tests
Technological modelling — prototype, test, iterate with fair evidence
How do we design and test a prototype so the evidence is fair, repeatable, and useful for the next build?
Technology inquiry
Measured motion & fair tests
Technological modelling — prototype, test, iterate with fair evidence
Technological Practice · Brief development · Planning for practice
Wero
How do we design and test a prototype so the evidence is fair, repeatable, and useful for the next build?
First step
Write a one-variable test plan with three fair trials; photograph each build version and log what changed between runs.
What you will show
Defended redesign linked to run data, tolerance notes, and a fabrication plan for v2.
Local place context
Describe your test track or fair-test setup — what one variable will you change?
Technological Practice · Brief development · Planning for practice
First step
Write a one-variable test plan with three fair trials; photograph each build version and log what changed between runs.
Expected outcome
Defended redesign linked to run data, tolerance notes, and a fabrication plan for v2.
You will track energy through a multi-stage setup, calculate efficiency, diagram the flows, and redesign one part with evidence. How energy transforms across stages and whether a targeted redesign improves overall efficiency. Joule or proxy measurements per stage, efficiency calculations, and before/after trial data for your redesign.
Five ways you could investigate
Pick one to start — or write your own question. The AI mentor supports you gently inside your investigation.
Idea 1
Prototype iteration log
What changed between prototype v1 and v2 — and what did distance data show?
Start with this question →Idea 2
Material choice impact
Does one material change reduce friction enough to matter?
Start with this question →Idea 3
Manufacturing tolerance
How does a small fit change affect repeatability?
Start with this question →Idea 4
Energy transfer diagram test
Can your diagram predict which redesign will help — before you build?
Start with this question →Idea 5
Student vs teacher launch
Does operator technique explain spread in results?
Start with this question →
Five things you could build
Fabrication ideas linked to makerspace tools — 3D print, laser cut, Arduino, data products, and more.
Build 1
Wheel spacer / alignment aid
Test alignment as your next single-variable change.
Open in outcome selector →Build 2
Test ramp
Control slope for fair energy-transfer tests.
Open in outcome selector →Build 3
Chassis revision
Print a chassis part that responds to your failure mode.
Open in outcome selector →Build 4
Design rationale poster
Explain your brief, constraints, and test evidence.
Open in outcome selector →Build 5
Run comparison chart
Show before/after prototype performance.
Open in outcome selector →
AI mentor (inside your investigation)
No separate mentor page — support appears in your investigation workspace. It starts gentle: short prompts about your research context, data, and analysis. You or your teacher can turn assistance off for unassisted work, or request more help when you need it. It also guides fabrication choices tied to your evidence.