Branch Functions

We're getting into our RoboPro visual programming environment and Fishcertechnik robotics hardware in the Principles of Engineering courses.

What does this program do?

Python

Our work with the Fischertechnik robotics kits used Robo Pro, a very nice visual programing environment.

For our first efforts with actual text based programming, we will have a look at the language Python. You can click through here to visit Python.org.

Non essential trivia - Why was this language named Python? A clue is that the command line shell (not quite an actual IDE (Integrated Development Environment)) is named IDLE.

Gliding High

A music video to celebrate "Launch Day" for the first annual Glider Challenge. We've talked about how to "engineer" a good story. Does this video tell one?:



This song was a pop hit in Europe about the time that young Captain Olson was stationed on the "frontier". It recieved a lot of radio, music video and club play generating the artists/record label/royalty holders a nice paycheck.

How did the producers create the distinctive "hook" on this record? Does this Chaka Khan song sound familiar? What technology would Stardust have used to craft this tune?

Glider Challenge: Design Phase

1) What's the challenge?

2) Brainstorm solutions:
-What are the rules of brainstorming? (oxymoron)
-List your ideas
-Sketch at least two of them

3) Specify:
-Criteria
-Constraints (be specific about materials available)

4) Develop Solutions:
-Sketch (with labels)
-Model in CAD (Engineering Design courses only)

5) "Prototype the Prototype"
-You can only build once with your balsa/tissue paper materials. Use paper-aircraft to test your ideas. Each memeber of your team will build a paper airplane.

Engineering Gnome wuz here!!!

Chromium

Our chromium "marbles" are here for our design project...

There was some debate as to whether they would have magnetic qualities... Is there any information on this packaging hinting one way or another?

Engineering Gnome Was Here

The infamous Engineering Gnome has struck and left us a ginormous puzzle cube in the classroom!


All in a night's work for Engineering Gnome...

Carnival Splendor

Carnival Cruise Line's waylaid ship finally left port yesterday. Why did the ship sail for San Francisco to finish repairs when San Diego has the best shipyards on the west coast? The answer is distinctly Islander.

A shot of the Spledor at dock taken from the bay bridge back on a foggy December morning:


What was the nature of the problem the ship experienced?

What repairs were required?

What impact did the unnexpected arrival of the cruise ship have on the local economy?