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“Failure is Always an Option”

In this assignment, you will delve into the analysis of structural and ethical failures in engineering, focusing on a chosen structure and incorporating Statics concepts. Your essay should address the reasons behind the structural failure and the ethical factors contributing to it, while also reflecting on broader ethical challenges faced by engineers. Ensure proper APA format citations, a figure illustrating Statics concepts, and at least three credible sources. Meet length, layout, and content requirements for full credit. Don't forget your scheduled appointment at the Hanson Center Writing Prompt for feedback and guidance.

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“Failure is Always an Option”

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  1. “Failure is Always an Option” Statics Essay Assignment Scott Coffel, HCTC DirectorSarah Livesay, Assistant Director

  2. Assignment Preview • Individual essay for 10% of course grade • Two drafts (first and final) • 1000-1250 words • One figure • Three credible sources • APA format citations and references page • One 25-minute appointment with the Hanson Center

  3. Writing Prompt • Read the short essay by civil engineer Henry Petroski titled “Failure is Always an Option,” which analyzes the 2003 failure of NASA’s Columbia space shuttle. • Draft and revise your own essay that addresses a different structural and ethical failure for a general audience.

  4. Engineering Requirements • Choose a structural failure (building, bridge, dam, tunnel, etc.) that can be used to explain Statics to a general audience. • Analyze how and why the structure failed by incorporating your knowledge of Statics concepts such as equilibrium, moments, loads, and forces. • Incorporate outside research that helps you explain the engineering aspects of the failure.

  5. Ethics Requirements • Discuss the ethical factors that contributed to the failure (undetected design flaws, an absence of safety regulations, errors in judgment, etc.). • Reflect on the broader ethical challenges that engineers face when designing and maintaining structures.

  6. Questions for writing: • Did a design flaw involving insufficient consideration of moments, loads, and/or forces cause the structure to fail? • Did the structure lack redundant safety mechanisms? • Was the failure preventable? • What steps could have been taken before the structure failed?

  7. Format & Style Requirements • Title page: Center and double-space. Create an original title. Include one line each for full title, your name, course name and section number, professor’s name, and due date. • Page layout: Follow these requirements: double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, page numbers. • Length: Stay within the limits of 1000-1250 words. • Figure: Include at least one figure (with citation) to illustrate relevant Statics concepts. • Sources: Use and cite the Petroski article and at least two other credible sources. These sources can discuss engineering, ethics, or both. • References: Include citations a References page in APA format. Note: Both first and final drafts must meet all these requirements to be eligible for full credit.

  8. HCTC Requirements • Appointment: The final essay grade includes one 25-minute appointment with a Hanson Center peer tutor. When you come to the HCTC, bring a printed copy of your paper and all feedback that you have received up until the time of your visit. You may schedule more than one appointment for your Statics essay. • File name: Last name, First name, Statics Section, Draft/final • Example: “Smith, Jane, 000B, Draft” • Late Policy: Late work will not be accepted. Rare exceptions will be made for documented illnesses or emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Further information can be found at https://registrar.uiowa.edu/sites/registrar.uiowa.edu/files/wysiwyg_uploads/reason_for_absence_from_class_1.pdf.

  9. Procedural Points • Submit your first draft to Canvas on time. The draft must follow all length and format requirements to be eligible for full credit. (10 pts) • Schedule and attend at least one 25-minute appointment at the HCTC. (Appointments scheduled when the first drafts are under evaluation will not count for credit.) (5 pts) Appointment location: 3307 SC To make an appointment, go to our home page and click Schedule now

  10. Topics List If you wish to choose another topic, you must have it pre-approved by HCTC Assistant Director Sarah Livesay.

  11. Required & Recommended Reading • Assignment • Evaluation Sheet • Henry Petroski Article (you must read this and cite in your essay) • Model Essays • Engineering Case Studies Online • NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers • Source Use and Plagiarism Policy

  12. Plagiarism Policy • You are required to acknowledge all information and quotations that you take from other sources. Failing to cite sources correctly constitutes plagiarism. • Any known instance of plagiarism, misrepresentation, or other fraudulent behavior in your final essay will affect your grade. Serious cases can earn a grade of zero and be reported to the dean. • If you have questions about how you are employing research, discuss with our peer tutors before the final paper is due. Metcalf, A. (2016). Plagiarism1 (Online image). Retrieved January 24, 2018 from https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/linguafranca/2016/02/16/the-plague-of-plagiarism/.

  13. Schedule & Deadlines

  14. Statics Help Sessions 2:00-2:25 P.M. 3307 SC • Wednesday, 11/13 • Tuesday, 11/19 • Wednesday, 10/2 • Tuesday, 10/8 These will be open Q&A sessions. Bring your questions! You can attend any or all meetings. These sessions do not replace your HCTC appointment for credit.

  15. Questions? Email: sarah-livesay@uiowa.edu Stop by the Hanson Center in 3307 SC

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