Post your pumpkin to your blog to show us what you can do (choose export>image from the Inventor menu to save a screen shot of your work. Then post the image to your blog):
A pumpkin in progress:
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
We're going to make virtual pumpkins in class today... how awesome of a pumkin can you make?
Post your pumpkin to your blog to show us what you can do (choose export>image from the Inventor menu to save a screen shot of your work. Then post the image to your blog):
A pumpkin in progress:
Post your pumpkin to your blog to show us what you can do (choose export>image from the Inventor menu to save a screen shot of your work. Then post the image to your blog):
A pumpkin in progress:
7 Billion Chances to Make a Difference!
It's theorized that the human population reached 7 Billion today. That's a lot of opportunties to design/build solutions to problems.
? - As you move forward in your life, what are some of the challenges listed in the following video that you could participate in solving?
a
? - 7 Billion is a huge number. How can we conceptualize that many people? How many people live in San Diego? How many San Diegos is 7 Billion?
? - As you move forward in your life, what are some of the challenges listed in the following video that you could participate in solving?
a
? - 7 Billion is a huge number. How can we conceptualize that many people? How many people live in San Diego? How many San Diegos is 7 Billion?
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
What's The Answer?
Enter the correct answer in the comments below for extra credit ;)
(Thanks to Rafe for the heads up on this)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Safer Nukes?
Would this be a safer system for harnessing nuclear energy? How does this work?
Thanks to Joe Lee for the heads up on this (click on the image to enlarge it):
(Also a good example of an image that "tells a story")
Thanks to Joe Lee for the heads up on this (click on the image to enlarge it):
(Also a good example of an image that "tells a story")
Friday, October 21, 2011
Energy Sources!
Americans spend 500 billion dollars each year on energy. As populations and appetites increase, the world faces a challenge of significantly growing energy needs. Many unique energy sources are available. To meet future energy needs, engineers need to design technology to contribute new ways to harness energy, increase efficiency, and better transport and store energy.
Objective:
Your task as a class is to prepare a presentation on the different energy sources we use collectively as a society (9 types from the graphic above). The class must cover each of the sources listed.
Presentation Grading (4 pts)
The presentation is worth 4 points. The content and presentation standards will be selected and agreed upon by each class period (listed below). Half your score will be based on how well you as an individual address the agreed upon content and presentation standards. The other half of the score will be earned by the class collecitvely.
2nd Period Considerations:
Content:
• Energy Source - Overview, Steps for Harnessing Energy, Major Energy Uses
• Consideration of Efficiency/Conservation
• Costs - Setup, Consumer Costs
Process:
• Unified look/theme to entire presentation
• Reduced Text - Use bullets and talk to them
• Effective Images - do they tell a story?
4th Period Considerations:
Content:
• Uses
• Effect
• Pros/Cons
• Effiecy
• New Developments
Process:
• Unified Theme
• Bullet Points - "Speak to the bullet points"/"Write less, talk more"
• High Value Images - Do your images tell a "Story"?
Other Considerations (Your period may not have selected these as relevant for the presentation but please consider them anyways):
• Is the energy source classified as nonrenewable, renewable, or inexhaustible?
• What are the infrastructure requirements for utilizing this energy source?
• What emerging technologies will make this energy source safer, more usable, more efficient, cleaner, etc?
Blog Post Grading (2pts)
Post the images of your section of the "Energy Sources!" Presentation to your Blog. Copy and paste the following questions into your post after your slides and answer them.
1. Describe one thing that surprised you about the energy source that you researched and presented.
2. Describe one thing that surprised you about an energy source that another team presented.
3. Describe and defend what you believe to be the most important technological need regarding energy.
The Needs of the Customer
As Engineers and Designers, we create solutions to meet the needs of people and solve problems.
? - How does the revolution in Libya and the capture/execution of Gaddafi reflect poor design thinking on Gaddafi's part? Are there other places in the world that are facing challenges related to a lack of human centered design?
? - How does the revolution in Libya and the capture/execution of Gaddafi reflect poor design thinking on Gaddafi's part? Are there other places in the world that are facing challenges related to a lack of human centered design?
Monday, October 17, 2011
Recursion
Iterative design is a cornerstone of the Creative Problem Solver experience. Here's a nifty video that displays the connection between iteration/recursion and the Madelbrot Fractal:
Recursion within this human constructed fractal is interesting to us because:
"Approximate fractals are easily found in nature. These objects display self-similar structure over an extended, but finite, scale range. Examples include clouds, river networks, fault lines, mountain ranges, craters,[8] snow flakes,[9] crystals,[10] lightning, cauliflower or broccoli, and systems of blood vessels and pulmonary vessels, and ocean waves" - Excerpted from Wikipedia
The idea that recursive structures occur naturally adds weight to the idea of using an iterative process in design and problem solving.
Recursion within this human constructed fractal is interesting to us because:
"Approximate fractals are easily found in nature. These objects display self-similar structure over an extended, but finite, scale range. Examples include clouds, river networks, fault lines, mountain ranges, craters,[8] snow flakes,[9] crystals,[10] lightning, cauliflower or broccoli, and systems of blood vessels and pulmonary vessels, and ocean waves" - Excerpted from Wikipedia
The idea that recursive structures occur naturally adds weight to the idea of using an iterative process in design and problem solving.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Assembly Line Data Visualization
The front half of our Assembly Line in action:
Our collective data for our test runs on Thursday the 13th:
Here's my current best effort at visualizing the data. What did you come up with for your visualization?:
(Click graph to display a larger image)
? - What is effective about this presentation in regards to visualizing the data?
? - If our goal is to improve the process, how is this visualization helpful?
? - What's missing/how would you improve the utility of this visualization?
? - What visualization have you come up with?
Our collective data for our test runs on Thursday the 13th:
Here's my current best effort at visualizing the data. What did you come up with for your visualization?:
(Click graph to display a larger image)
? - What is effective about this presentation in regards to visualizing the data?
? - If our goal is to improve the process, how is this visualization helpful?
? - What's missing/how would you improve the utility of this visualization?
? - What visualization have you come up with?
I *Heart* the 80's!
It's "80's day" today at CHS...
There was a lot of memorable music from the era. I know that's a little before your time but do you have a favorite band or album from the period?
Here's a selection of classic 80's music to get the day going with:
There was a lot of memorable music from the era. I know that's a little before your time but do you have a favorite band or album from the period?
Here's a selection of classic 80's music to get the day going with:
$150 of Duct Tape
This was a killer price for this much Duct Tape (about half of what it would be anywhere else):
(A very helpful Costcoer that saved the day for the 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge)
I had been to the Costco on Morena with no luck on finding tape. I followed up at the Business Costco in Kearny Mesa to find this good price. It's important to me to be a good steward of our Engineering Lab Donation fund.
I nearly missed the tape in the Kearny Mesa store and have a good story regarding the importance of communication and an outgoing demeanor for anyone that's interested in hearing it.
? - Why is Duct Tape called "Duct Tape"? What is the purpose for which the tape is named?
(A very helpful Costcoer that saved the day for the 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge)
I had been to the Costco on Morena with no luck on finding tape. I followed up at the Business Costco in Kearny Mesa to find this good price. It's important to me to be a good steward of our Engineering Lab Donation fund.
I nearly missed the tape in the Kearny Mesa store and have a good story regarding the importance of communication and an outgoing demeanor for anyone that's interested in hearing it.
? - Why is Duct Tape called "Duct Tape"? What is the purpose for which the tape is named?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Design/Build
Jason and Joe make progress on their cardboard canoe build:
Meanwhile, Putnam and John make progress on testing a prototype:
? - Even though this team is already under way with the construction of their boat, how might the prototype support the construction of their project?
? - How effective does their model appear to be? What useful information might the team discover with their test?
Meanwhile, Putnam and John make progress on testing a prototype:
? - Even though this team is already under way with the construction of their boat, how might the prototype support the construction of their project?
? - How effective does their model appear to be? What useful information might the team discover with their test?
Proper Cutting Technique
If you're using a box cutter, please make sure to cut on the floor, with a piece of cardboard beneath the piece you're cutting. This will prevent us from damaging our workplace!
Trent demonstrating proper cutting technique:
This is what can happen without enough cardboard underneath as a cutting surface:
We absolutely need to protect our awesome new desks!!! Please cut on the floor to prevent mishaps like this...
Trent demonstrating proper cutting technique:
This is what can happen without enough cardboard underneath as a cutting surface:
We absolutely need to protect our awesome new desks!!! Please cut on the floor to prevent mishaps like this...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
"If Today Were the Last Day of My Life...
...would I want to do what what I'm about to do today?"
Promoting technical leadership is at the core of our Creative Problem solver experience. In memory of Steve Jobs, one of the nation's premier innovators, ever, let's hear what some are claiming as the "Gettysburg Address" of commencement speaches:
? - What three things from this talk resonate deepest with you? List each of these and give a breif explanation of why they are meaningful to you.
Promoting technical leadership is at the core of our Creative Problem solver experience. In memory of Steve Jobs, one of the nation's premier innovators, ever, let's hear what some are claiming as the "Gettysburg Address" of commencement speaches:
? - What three things from this talk resonate deepest with you? List each of these and give a breif explanation of why they are meaningful to you.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Cardboard Canoe Challenge: Design Phase
This is the work we will complete for block day on Oct 4th/5th.
Sketches
• Sketch 3 solutions for your cardboard canoe design.
• Label at least 3 features on each of your sketches. Be sure to describe significance of labeled features.
• Post your sketches to your blog.
Physical Prototype
• Prototype each of your solutions using either printer paper or manila file folders and tape.
• Photograph your prototypes. Call out a key feature on each physical prototpye with a notecard or post it note.
• Post your photographs to your blog and describe any key features identified.
Design Selection
• Generate Feedback (at least one each +, change, ?, !) for each of your designs.
• Use a decision matrix to compare your 3 design approaches (we'll talk about decision matrices in class)
• Select a design approach to build. Justify your selection (reference decision matrix, feedback and any other relevant considerations).
Sketches
• Sketch 3 solutions for your cardboard canoe design.
• Label at least 3 features on each of your sketches. Be sure to describe significance of labeled features.
• Post your sketches to your blog.
Physical Prototype
• Prototype each of your solutions using either printer paper or manila file folders and tape.
• Photograph your prototypes. Call out a key feature on each physical prototpye with a notecard or post it note.
• Post your photographs to your blog and describe any key features identified.
Design Selection
• Generate Feedback (at least one each +, change, ?, !) for each of your designs.
• Use a decision matrix to compare your 3 design approaches (we'll talk about decision matrices in class)
• Select a design approach to build. Justify your selection (reference decision matrix, feedback and any other relevant considerations).
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge. Do you have what it takes to design and build this year's winning watercraft?
(I lost all my photos from last year so imagine this is a cardboard canoe!)
Overview
Your class will break into teams to compete. You will design and build a solution to compete in the Challenge based on the bellow Criteria and Constraints. Safety is the number one priority in this event!
Safety
***Swimming is an “opt in” activity. No one has to swim if they don’t wish to. Swim only if you have the ability to do so. Appropriate attire is required for swimming. Adhere to the swimming facility rules. Safety is the top priority at all times.***
Criteria
• Build a watercraft that allows you to traverse the CHS swimming pool.
• Your "boat" must float at least one student through the course of the competition.
• Protect your workspace from damage!
Constraints
• You may only use Cardboard and Duct Tape for this event.
• All Staples or other foreign material must be removed from your cardboard. If we trash the pool, we will not be invited back for other activities during the year (yes, we have other activities in mind for 2nd semester).
• Cardboard must meet our quality standard and be approved by the instructor (more info to follow)
• Each boat must have a minimum of a 3" tall "sidewall" (no completely flat designs).
• All exposed cardboard must be covered in duct tape (this will reduce cardboard disintigration in the pool).
• Each team will be provided one "versa table" cardboard box piece and two 60yrd rolls of duct tape. Any materials beyond this (likely need more cardboard) need to be resourced by your team.
Achievments
Create a comprehensive post on your blog that justifies the Achievements you've earned for this challenge.
Make sure you claim the total number of achievements you've earned at the top of your post!
Design Achievements:
• Define the Problem and Brainstorm Solutions - State the problem you are designing a solution for. List at least 20 ideas you have regarding your solution.
• Big Brain - The individual student with the most brainstorms listed will earn a bonus achievement.
• Criteria & Constraints - List or reference the specified Criteria and Constraints you're designing for. List at least one implied criteria. List at least three implied contsraints.
• Sketch Ideas - Draw 3 different sketches for possible designs. Label at least 3 key features for each sketch. Describe the feature's functionality so a viewer understands why the called out feature is important.
• Prototype Ideas - Craft physical prototypes (models) of each of your three sketches. Use a notecard or post it note to call out at least one key feature on each model. Post the images to your blog and describe the key feature that you've pointed out on each.
• Select an Approach - Generate feedback (+, change, ?, !) and make a decision matrix regarding your sketches/prototypes. Specify the approach you've chosen and justify your selection.
Build Achievements:
• Build It! - Build your watercraft. Document it with a presentable photo.
• The Early Bird Gets the Achievement - Awarded to the team with the fastest build.
• V-Bottom - Earn this by building a non-flat bottom
Test Achievements:
• The Fastest - Awarded to the first team to reach the far side (25yds)
• The Farthest - Awarded to the team that can travel the furthest (laps)
• The Longest - Awarded to the team with the watercraft that floats the longest (multiple teams may be awarded this achievement if multiple boats remain afloat at the end of our competition period).
• Balance Master - Awarded if you can have at least one person stand for 5 seconds in the boat (you must conduct this away from the edge of the pool so that non one falls over and hits their head)
• Videographer - Take video of the challenge and post to your blog.
Reflection Achievements:
• Feedback - Generate ten items of feedback for your effort (from the design/build process and/or the actual product). Make sure you include at least one item of feedaback in each of our four feedback areas (+, change, ?, !)
• How Low Did You Go? - How low in the water did your canoe sit (roughly)? Was it suprising how little your boat went down in the water? What is the unit weight of water in pounds? How much did your pilot weigh (roughly)? Use math to help explain the depth that your boat sat in the water.
• Redesign - If we were to do another Carboard Canoe race next semester, what would you build? Draw from everything you experienced in your class and propose the most competative solution. Include a sketch with key features and dimensions labeled.
• (Make Your Own Achievement) - Make an achievement of your own design that you can award yourself for something awesome your team did. (Example "Transformer" - although our canoe sunk, our team was able to convert it into a surfboard style design and continue competeting!)
Welcome to the 2nd Annual CHS Cardboard Canoe Challenge. Do you have what it takes to design and build this year's winning watercraft?
(I lost all my photos from last year so imagine this is a cardboard canoe!)
Overview
Your class will break into teams to compete. You will design and build a solution to compete in the Challenge based on the bellow Criteria and Constraints. Safety is the number one priority in this event!
Safety
***Swimming is an “opt in” activity. No one has to swim if they don’t wish to. Swim only if you have the ability to do so. Appropriate attire is required for swimming. Adhere to the swimming facility rules. Safety is the top priority at all times.***
Criteria
• Build a watercraft that allows you to traverse the CHS swimming pool.
• Your "boat" must float at least one student through the course of the competition.
• Protect your workspace from damage!
Constraints
• You may only use Cardboard and Duct Tape for this event.
• All Staples or other foreign material must be removed from your cardboard. If we trash the pool, we will not be invited back for other activities during the year (yes, we have other activities in mind for 2nd semester).
• Cardboard must meet our quality standard and be approved by the instructor (more info to follow)
• Each boat must have a minimum of a 3" tall "sidewall" (no completely flat designs).
• All exposed cardboard must be covered in duct tape (this will reduce cardboard disintigration in the pool).
• Each team will be provided one "versa table" cardboard box piece and two 60yrd rolls of duct tape. Any materials beyond this (likely need more cardboard) need to be resourced by your team.
Achievments
Create a comprehensive post on your blog that justifies the Achievements you've earned for this challenge.
Make sure you claim the total number of achievements you've earned at the top of your post!
Design Achievements:
• Define the Problem and Brainstorm Solutions - State the problem you are designing a solution for. List at least 20 ideas you have regarding your solution.
• Big Brain - The individual student with the most brainstorms listed will earn a bonus achievement.
• Criteria & Constraints - List or reference the specified Criteria and Constraints you're designing for. List at least one implied criteria. List at least three implied contsraints.
• Sketch Ideas - Draw 3 different sketches for possible designs. Label at least 3 key features for each sketch. Describe the feature's functionality so a viewer understands why the called out feature is important.
• Prototype Ideas - Craft physical prototypes (models) of each of your three sketches. Use a notecard or post it note to call out at least one key feature on each model. Post the images to your blog and describe the key feature that you've pointed out on each.
• Select an Approach - Generate feedback (+, change, ?, !) and make a decision matrix regarding your sketches/prototypes. Specify the approach you've chosen and justify your selection.
Build Achievements:
• Build It! - Build your watercraft. Document it with a presentable photo.
• The Early Bird Gets the Achievement - Awarded to the team with the fastest build.
• V-Bottom - Earn this by building a non-flat bottom
Test Achievements:
• The Fastest - Awarded to the first team to reach the far side (25yds)
• The Farthest - Awarded to the team that can travel the furthest (laps)
• The Longest - Awarded to the team with the watercraft that floats the longest (multiple teams may be awarded this achievement if multiple boats remain afloat at the end of our competition period).
• Balance Master - Awarded if you can have at least one person stand for 5 seconds in the boat (you must conduct this away from the edge of the pool so that non one falls over and hits their head)
• Videographer - Take video of the challenge and post to your blog.
Reflection Achievements:
• Feedback - Generate ten items of feedback for your effort (from the design/build process and/or the actual product). Make sure you include at least one item of feedaback in each of our four feedback areas (+, change, ?, !)
• How Low Did You Go? - How low in the water did your canoe sit (roughly)? Was it suprising how little your boat went down in the water? What is the unit weight of water in pounds? How much did your pilot weigh (roughly)? Use math to help explain the depth that your boat sat in the water.
• Redesign - If we were to do another Carboard Canoe race next semester, what would you build? Draw from everything you experienced in your class and propose the most competative solution. Include a sketch with key features and dimensions labeled.
• (Make Your Own Achievement) - Make an achievement of your own design that you can award yourself for something awesome your team did. (Example "Transformer" - although our canoe sunk, our team was able to convert it into a surfboard style design and continue competeting!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)