Ep 9. Batter Up

In Design Squad Season 1 episode 9, titled Batter Up, the focus is on designing and constructing a pitching machine. The Design Squad team, which consists of a group of young engineers and designers, is tasked with building a pitching machine capable of throwing a consistent fastball.

The episode begins with the Design Squad team meeting with their client, a Little League coach who is seeking a pitching machine that can help his players improve their skills. The coach explains what he needs from the machine, including how fast it needs to throw, the angle of the pitch, and the accuracy of the ball’s trajectory.

The team then gets to work, brainstorming designs and building prototypes. They experiment with various materials and mechanisms to try and create the perfect pitching machine. Along the way, they encounter an array of challenges, from issues with the machine’s power source to problems with its accuracy.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the way the team uses science and math to solve these challenges. They use physics to calculate the ideal angle of the machine’s arm, engineering principles to build a motor that can generate the required speed, and computer programming to control the machine’s accuracy.

As the team works on the pitching machine, they also face interpersonal challenges. Some team members struggle to work together, and there are conflicts over which design approach to take. However, ultimately they all come together to create a machine that meets the coach’s specifications.

Once they have built the machine, the Design Squad team tests it out on a group of Little League players. The machine proves to be a success, with the young players able to improve their batting skills as a result. The coach is thrilled with the machine, and the Design Squad team leaves feeling proud of what they have accomplished.

Overall, Batter Up is an engaging and informative episode of Design Squad. It shows viewers the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and STEM skills in designing and building a complex machine. It also highlights the real-world applications of engineering and design, as the team creates a product that can benefit young athletes.