Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Student Researcher:

• Read about who can Sponsor your project

• Check the Calendar in September for workshops

• There are many considerations that go into choosing your project
• Review the following information before making your choice
  • Project Categories
  • Judging Criteria
  • Review the RSEF Documentation Checklist
  • Review the Planning & Preparation section of the website
  • Determine if your project requires Additional Forms

• Complete ONLINE Student Registration for RSEF
• Complete PAPER Regional Entry Form
• Complete RSEF Research Plan Template
• Complete ALL Required Project Forms
• Complete Official RSEF Abstract Form

Thomas A. Edison Festival of Light Regional Inventors Fair

Student Inventor:

• The engineering design process starts when you ask the following questions about problems that you observe:
  • What is the problem or need?
  • Who has the problem or need?
  • Why is it important to solve? (In other words: [Who] need(s) [what] because [why].)

• Learn from the experiences of others — this can help you find out about existing solutions to similar problems, and avoid mistakes that were made in the past. So, for an engineering design project, do background research in two major areas:
  • Users or customers
  • Existing solutions

• Design requirements state the important characteristics that your solution must meet to succeed. One of the best ways to identify the design requirements for your solution is to analyze the concrete example of a similar, existing product, noting each of its key features.

• There are always many good possibilities for solving design problems. If you focus on just one before looking at the alternatives, it is almost certain that you are overlooking a better solution. Good designers try to generate as many possible solutions as they can.

• Look at whether each possible solution meets your design requirements. Some solutions probably meet more requirements than others. Reject solutions that do not meet the requirements.

• Development involves the refinement and improvement of a solution, and it continues throughout the design process, often even after a product ships to customers.
• A prototype is an operating version of a solution. Often it is made with different materials than the final version, and generally it is not as polished. Prototypes are a key step in the development of a final solution, allowing the designer to test how the solution will work.

• The design process involves multiple iterations and redesigns of your final solution. You will likely test your solution, find new problems, make changes, and test new solutions before settling on a final design.

• To complete your project, communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional engineers always do the same, thoroughly documenting their solutions so that they can be manufactured and supported.