Tape Dispenser Project
The Tape Dispenser Project focused on aesthetics and function. A functioning desktop tape dispenser had to be designed and built from wire hangers. The materials allowed to be used in this project were two metal coat hangers, one sharp edge to cut the tape, and any type of adhesive. The tape dispenser was also allowed to be painted any color.
The tape dispenser had to meet the following criteria:
The grading of this project was based on whether or not it met the criteria, as well as a student vote on aesthetics. Just like the 20 Rectangles project, students from other classes voted for the project that was the most aesthetically pleasing.
The tape dispenser had to meet the following criteria:
- Must be able to repeatedly dispense tape regardless of who uses it
- Must be clearly understandable to the user
- Must be safe to use
The grading of this project was based on whether or not it met the criteria, as well as a student vote on aesthetics. Just like the 20 Rectangles project, students from other classes voted for the project that was the most aesthetically pleasing.
I began this project by sketching four different tape dispenser designs, with two designs being horizontally oriented and two designs being vertically oriented. I chose one of the horizontally oriented designs, and then began to estimate the measurement of each piece. I wanted my tape dispenser to be composed of as few pieces as possible to reduce the amount of joints there were. The final product was composed of a total of five wire pieces. I used wire cutters and pliers to cut and shape each piece, and used hot glue to join the pieces together.
For the student vote on aesthetics, my tape dispenser won first place.
For the student vote on aesthetics, my tape dispenser won first place.
My take-away from this project was the importance of precision. While I was assembling the tape dispenser, a wire piece that I had cut did not line up correctly, and so I had to cut another piece from my limited material. I learned quickly from this mistake and every other wire piece I cut lined up well.
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