Engineering Design Method

Imagine for a moment that you are a voting-age citizen of the United States and resident in the State of Florida in the infamous presidential election of 2000 between Republican candidate George W. Bush and Democratic candidate Albert Gore.  You are a Gore supporter and you know that if Gore wins in the State of Florida, he will have enough electoral votes to win the election, so you make a point of going to the polls.  On election day, you find yourself standing in a voting booth staring in confusion at your "butterfly" ballot.  Which hole do you punch? The second one, which is lined up with your candidate of choice, or the third one? Or both?   Although exit polling indicated that Gore would prevail in Florida, Bush won the Florida electoral votes and the presidency, to the surprise of many.   A poor design that some believe led to historical consequences...

If You Need Help

If you have specific questions about this exploration, please contact your STEM Mentor.  If you still have questions, email Susan Hull Grasso, GCA Director of Curriculum Development. Or "Skype" her: