Building a Better Bike — Introduction
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers solve complex problems for society. They create and build mechanical devices. They apply the science and math to create practical, useful solutions that the rest of us can use. Here are some things a mechanical engineer might be asked to do:
- build a hydrofoil surfboard;
- build a new space station;
- make a better design for knee replacements; or
- design a better wind turbine.
Your Mission
Do you like to solve problems and figure out how things work? Do you like to think about how you could make something cost less, work better, or be safer? If you like the idea of designing some sort of machine, having it made, and then testing it to see how it performs, mechanical engineering may be a good occupation for you.
Mechanical engineers design all sorts of contraptions that move, perform tasks, and help make the world a better place. They help create everything from tiny parts (like a nozzle on your printer) to complex machines (like robots, cars, and the equipment in factories). Mechanical engineers often design something new in an effort to solve a problem or make something more useful.
In this project, you will work in a group to redesign a bicycle. You will choose a design goal, such as making a faster bike, a bike that is better for tricks, or a bike that is more comfortable to ride. The first bicycle was invented in 1817, and believe it or not, it didn’t even have pedals. Thanks to the efforts of mechanical engineers, bicycles have changed a lot since then. Let’s see what your team can do to take a generic bike and make it into something special!
