Investigation brief

Design or analyze a model involving particle motion, robotics, trajectories, design curves, and periodic mechanisms. Define a question that requires the unit’s mathematics, identify data or defensible assumptions, derive the model, compute or approximate a result, validate it independently, and state limitations.

Required submission

1. Question, context, diagram, variables, units, and assumptions.
2. Mathematical derivation with theorem or method justification.
3. Exact and/or numerical result with technology record.
4. Error, sensitivity, residual, or convergence evidence.
5. Interpretation, limitations, and next research question.

Oral defense prompts

• Why is this method valid?
• What alternative did you reject?
• How did you verify the result?
• Which assumption matters most?
• How would the model change?

20-point rubric