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Children's Educational Demonstrations: Tornado
Testing tornado
I was part of a team tasked with designing, manufacturing, and delivering an installation of a scientific model of a "mini tornado" at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The aim of this project is to create a model of a tornado to be used in a demonstration informing children about the meteorological formation and effects of tornadoes. I worked on the aesthetics and testing teams; I helped integrate a more immersive experience for our users, while generating ideas with other sub-teams to ensure an efficient and safe user experience.
Photo by me
Tornado team gant chart
Flowchart
Particle Testing
Dark gray sand testing
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Photo by me
To determine the most cost effective, efficient, visually appealing, and durable particle to produce our tornado, I tested different particle types based on size, color, and density to discover which best fit for our demonstration.
Orange bead test
Gravel test
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Photo by me
Photo by me
Aesthetics
Cloud / lightning testing
To keep the attention of kids in the museum, I designed a way to simulate a lightning storm on top of the lid of the demonstration. I assessed and implemented LED lights that flash under cotton to further immerse kids in our display. I also added further designs on the base and created a background containing a midwestern landscape.
Birds eye view of base
Side view of base
Photo by me
Photo by me
Background concept
LED Lights design matrix
Background material design matrix
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Design Reviews
CED team
Twice a semester our team is required to present our design review to a panel of adjudicators. This allows me to develop communication skills by discussing complex engineering ideas in a clear and concise way.
Photo by Kaia Wells
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