Now that you’ve watched the Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder video, I’d like you to discuss it with each other. In your discussion consider the following (but you can bring up other points you see as relevant too):

What is the problem identified in this video? Do you think it was solved and if so, how? If not, why not?
Would you have approached this problem differently? Why/why not?
How do you see this video relating to your Engineering Proposal assignment?

Mark Rober tried to pick up a hobby in bird feeding and watching. He put out a birdfeeder to attract the birds in his neighborhood, only for the squirrels to break his feeder and steal all the food. He kept trying by buying more bird feeders, but the squirrels always found a way to break the feeders and steal his food. His solution to this problem was to give the squirrels food as well, but with a twist. He set up his bird feeder like normal, but below it, he built a special squirrel feeder that dispensed walnuts. The only way for the squirrels to get to this feeder was to complete an elaborate obstacle course that Mark Rober designed and built himself. His idea worked, and in the end, Mark developed an affection for the squirrels. He decided to dismantle his obstacle course and instead create a periodic feeder that dispensed walnuts for the squirrels, away from the birds. In my opinion, I think he solved his problem since the squirrels stopped eating the bird feed and destroying the bird feeders.

I would have approached this problem similarly. My first instinct would be to buy better and better bird feeders. I would try different areas to place them, and see if I could outsmart the squirrels,  as I’m sure Mark Rober did. Eventually, though, I would realize that outsmarting the squirrels wouldn’t work, as they seem to get into everything.  Finding out how to compromise with the squirrels and work with them would be my second idea, perhaps by installing a second feeder somewhere else. Honestly, I could also try to kill them, but that would be awful and also maybe illegal.

There may be bigger problems that also require an engineering solution. These solutions could be more than just hobby projects. They could cost thousands of dollars and involve many workers.  An Engineering Proposal is necessary for everyone to be on the same page. Mark had a similar issue. His wife was worried about the safety of the squirrels when he was implementing the trap doors and catapults.  Because of this, he implemented safety measures for the more intense parts of the course.  I’m sure telling this idea to his wife had parallels to an engineering proposal.