Teaching article
Will this material work as the model's rain cover?
Define the practical question before choosing a test.
Define the fictional cover's purpose before testing samples. Observing absorption, transmission and leakage can answer different questions; the group needs to know which observation matters for the chosen design task.
A sample that absorbs water may be unsuitable as the model's rain cover.
Suitability depends on the stated job
State whether the task concerns transmission, soaking or leakage. These observations answer related but different questions about the sample.
State the cover's purpose. Add a little water. Observe where it goes.
Which observation matters for the purpose? Use prepared observations.
A small test does not certify real protective equipment.
Resources
- Reflection Journal Template — Record the setup, observations and a follow-up question; add a purpose-made diagram for this investigation.
Further reading
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