2012/01/27 Stream Line Project. #2 Blog

On Friday January 20^th, all group members visited our principle organization, TELUS Science World. Mila and her team gave us an overview of the design process and the expected deliverables. Following the presentation, we were able to view and analyze the existing stream tablet. As we viewed the exhibit, the client informed us about some of the issues that the project had included the dispersal of grit and problems with the electrical cord. Because the exhibit was designed particularly for children, the client preferred that our solution is interactive and includes multiple outcomes, while still effectively demonstrating sediment deposition. Mila and her team showed us a few other exhibits at Science World. Most of those exhibits are either stream table or sediment interaction.

( Although the table is currently not in operation, the above picture shows original design)

On January 26^th, our group had a short meeting to brainstorm possible solutions to the Stream Table at Science World. After the 20min discussion, we determined our primary solution will model wave behavior at the shoreline( see the picture below). We also consider secondary solution such as a dry exhibit or restore the original format of stream model.

The wave model concept will include paddles for users to make waves and observe how those waves impact the shoreline. Users will also be able to reshape the shoreline and experiment with shore structures such as groins and jetties. By changing the shoreline, users will experience different outcomes each time they view the table. We also explore the possibility of covering parts of the stream table and encouraging the use of the tools or gloves to reduce the spread of the grit on the ground.