Greetings Engineers,
A game is a problem solving activity approached with a spirit of fun. Hopefully we can enjoy this final challenge for the year!
Phase 1: Design/Build (45 mins - 5pts)
Construct a ping pong ball launcher according to the following criteria and constraints:
Criteria
-Adjustable launch trajectory (use provided protractor).
-Be able to launch a ping pong ball within a range bracket of 10 to 20 feet.
-Be as accurate and precise as possible within this range window (significant to next phases)
Constraints
-Use provided materials (Fischertechnik, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, pipecleaners)
-No adhesives/tape (exception: you may tape the protractor to your design in order to more reliably read your launch angle)
Document your launcher by posting a photograph to your blog. Briefly list any key features of your design.
Phase 2: Test & Visualize Data (30 mins - 5 pts)
-Collect a minimum of ten data points (you may want to do more).
-Correlate launch angle with distance traveled.
-Put your data into Power Point and visualize it with a graph of Angle vs. Distance
Post your Power Point graph to your blog
Phase 3: Friendly Competition (30 mins - 5 pts)
We will hold a target practice tournament with our launchers. Competitors will be paired up and take turns to see who can be first to hit a target placed between 10 and 20 feet from their launchers. Winners will advance.
List how far you were able to advance in the tournament
Phase 4: Clean Up (15 mins - 5 pts)
Have your launcher fully broken down and parts returned to their bins by the completion of the period.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
1680 lbs of Engineering Students
The framing of this year book photo doesn't really tell the story but that's 1680 lbs of 5th Period on the large classroom scale:
Thursday, May 26, 2011
4th Period!
Our last day in class with our Seniors. Congrats on making it through 13 years of school! Here's 4th Period taking a break from their Capstone projects to get this photo:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
3rd Period!
Here we are with all of 3rd Period. Today is the last day for our Seniors so it's great to have a photo with the whole class in it.
Congratulations Seniors!
Congratulations Seniors!
Moons over My Hammy
Steven, George and Trenton took full advantage of the offer to bring food in for a party today.
Here they are cheffing up some great breakfast food! Nice job guys:
Here they are cheffing up some great breakfast food! Nice job guys:
2nd Period!
We got a great class photo today in honor of our last class with our Seniors.
Good luck Seniors! Thanks for a great year!:
Good luck Seniors! Thanks for a great year!:
Monday, May 23, 2011
AP Physics Top 20
Tommorow is our final day of engineering class for many of our Seniors. I wanted to pick everyone's brains for ideas on projects I could facilitate in next year's course that would support these important concepts that Mr. Lemei has identified for the AP Physics test:
Harder, Better, Faster... Smaller?
Making Things Smaller. Part 2 of the Making Things series from NOVA:
Watch the full episode. See more NOVA.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Survey Time
Our CHS Engineering Courses are offered through the county's Regional Occupational Program (ROP). We've been given the task of completing a survey for them.
Click here to take the ROP survey
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Truth About Innovation
Besides having authored the insightful "Tipping Point", Malcolm Gladwell is a staff writter for the New Yorker magazine. In the latest issue he digs deep into the subject of innovation in his article Creation Myth.:
Malcolm has an engaging interview on NPR today that supports the article. He discusses how being first isn't likely to be the best place to be with delivering a new idea/product. For instance Apple, America's largest tech company, has been a blockbuster success being 2nd and 3rd on many technologies (Window based OS, MP3 players, smartphones, etc.). Listen to the interview here.
Malcolm has an engaging interview on NPR today that supports the article. He discusses how being first isn't likely to be the best place to be with delivering a new idea/product. For instance Apple, America's largest tech company, has been a blockbuster success being 2nd and 3rd on many technologies (Window based OS, MP3 players, smartphones, etc.). Listen to the interview here.
A Case for Problem Based Learning
This isn't actually a TED video but if it were, it would have been my pick for participating in our TED Challenge from last month.
Sir Ken Robsinson (he's a Knight so you know he's sharp!) presents an interesting perspective on the state of education:
? - What parts of this talk resonate with you? What parts do not align with your experience or perspective?
Let's apply our design process to generate some ideas for solutions to the issues Sir Ken raises.
? - If you had to boil the talk down to its core element, what is the problem Sir Ken Robinson is presenting?
? - With this theme in mind, how can we design experiences for our Creative Problem Solver's curriculum that facilitate a top notch experience for students?
? - Brainstorm 20 things that have either been or would be "bright spots" in your learning experience. Be specific!
Sir Ken Robsinson (he's a Knight so you know he's sharp!) presents an interesting perspective on the state of education:
? - What parts of this talk resonate with you? What parts do not align with your experience or perspective?
Let's apply our design process to generate some ideas for solutions to the issues Sir Ken raises.
? - If you had to boil the talk down to its core element, what is the problem Sir Ken Robinson is presenting?
? - With this theme in mind, how can we design experiences for our Creative Problem Solver's curriculum that facilitate a top notch experience for students?
? - Brainstorm 20 things that have either been or would be "bright spots" in your learning experience. Be specific!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Kinect + Minecraft
This is one for those of you familiar with Minecraft (We've used Minecraft as a collaborative construction playspace in a couple of our classes this year).
Take a look at this Kinect hack...
Take a look at this Kinect hack...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
Congratulations to all the mothers out there! We appreciate your efforts.
Mrs. Olson enjoying some time with Dane today:
Did you get your Mothers something for Mother's Day? What makes a good gift?
How does good gift giving align with our "Design Thinking" experience?
Mrs. Olson enjoying some time with Dane today:
Did you get your Mothers something for Mother's Day? What makes a good gift?
How does good gift giving align with our "Design Thinking" experience?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Design Thinking
Essential Question
Design Thinking: A tool for life?
What is a Bootleg?
This Stanford D.School Bootcamp Bootleg is an "active" toolkit to support your design thinking practice.
This document is composed of 5 "Modes" and many "Methods". The Modes are general areas a designer opperates in within the design process. The Methods are specific techniques you may employ in support of the purpose of a Mode.
Complete the following tasks:
1) As a team, select one of the 5 design thinking "Modes" to educate the class on. Study up on the Mode. Prepare and present to the class so they understand the process involved with it. The goal is that the class understands how to operate within the mode.
2) Choose a "Method" that would support the Mode you selected. Include this Method as an example of how to operate within the Mode.
3) We've been using our 12 Step Iterative Design Process. How does the Design Thinking process presented in the Bootleg differ from our 12 step process? How is it similar?
Design Thinking: A tool for life?
What is a Bootleg?
This Stanford D.School Bootcamp Bootleg is an "active" toolkit to support your design thinking practice.
This document is composed of 5 "Modes" and many "Methods". The Modes are general areas a designer opperates in within the design process. The Methods are specific techniques you may employ in support of the purpose of a Mode.
Complete the following tasks:
1) As a team, select one of the 5 design thinking "Modes" to educate the class on. Study up on the Mode. Prepare and present to the class so they understand the process involved with it. The goal is that the class understands how to operate within the mode.
2) Choose a "Method" that would support the Mode you selected. Include this Method as an example of how to operate within the Mode.
3) We've been using our 12 Step Iterative Design Process. How does the Design Thinking process presented in the Bootleg differ from our 12 step process? How is it similar?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Class Assignments: Monday and Block Day
Students,
As mentioned last week, I am attending the University of California Curriculum Integration conference to participate in the design of a possible new UC approved course. So far, things are off to a great start.
The following are tasks for you to complete listed by period:
2nd Period
Please continue your deisgn efforts on the Glider Challenge. You will likely want to start assembling your Glider if you've completed your "Prototype of the Prototype" and other Design Phase requirements. Be sure you photograph your work to make it easier to create your blog write up!
Please click here to see all your Glider Challenge Deliverables.
Elmers glue is available under the projector. The "Glue All" version is more effective than the "School" version. What other glue might you use to assemble your glider? Be resourceful.
Additional tissue paper can be found in the blue IKEA bag.
If you complete the fabrication of your glider as well as your write up, please watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
We will "compete" with our Gliders on Thursday when I return. I'm sure you'll have some amazing flights!
3rd Period
Do the Locker Design Activity.
You have Monday and Block Day to complete this design task. If you finish your work, you may watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
4th Period
Please continue your efforts with the Machine Control Capstone Project. Once you complete your simple pneumatic machine, you will need to investigate how to use the photoresistor.
Investigate this sensor and also make progress on your overall design.
Be sure to capture images of your efforts (brainstorms, sketches, decision matrix, etc.) to help support your Machine Control Capstone Project Deliverables.
Click through here to find out how you will be graded on this project.
5th Period
Do the Locker Design Activity.
You have Monday and Block Day to complete this design task. If you finish your work, you may watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
If any student is roadblocked on their assigned tasks for any reason, please fall back on watching the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
As mentioned last week, I am attending the University of California Curriculum Integration conference to participate in the design of a possible new UC approved course. So far, things are off to a great start.
The following are tasks for you to complete listed by period:
2nd Period
Please continue your deisgn efforts on the Glider Challenge. You will likely want to start assembling your Glider if you've completed your "Prototype of the Prototype" and other Design Phase requirements. Be sure you photograph your work to make it easier to create your blog write up!
Please click here to see all your Glider Challenge Deliverables.
Elmers glue is available under the projector. The "Glue All" version is more effective than the "School" version. What other glue might you use to assemble your glider? Be resourceful.
Additional tissue paper can be found in the blue IKEA bag.
If you complete the fabrication of your glider as well as your write up, please watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
We will "compete" with our Gliders on Thursday when I return. I'm sure you'll have some amazing flights!
3rd Period
Do the Locker Design Activity.
You have Monday and Block Day to complete this design task. If you finish your work, you may watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
4th Period
Please continue your efforts with the Machine Control Capstone Project. Once you complete your simple pneumatic machine, you will need to investigate how to use the photoresistor.
Investigate this sensor and also make progress on your overall design.
Be sure to capture images of your efforts (brainstorms, sketches, decision matrix, etc.) to help support your Machine Control Capstone Project Deliverables.
Click through here to find out how you will be graded on this project.
5th Period
Do the Locker Design Activity.
You have Monday and Block Day to complete this design task. If you finish your work, you may watch the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
If any student is roadblocked on their assigned tasks for any reason, please fall back on watching the Making Stuff: Stronger video.
Machine Control Capston Project: Grading
You will be graded in three areas on your project:
1) Blog post write up based on these questions (tuned up version of handout).
2) The performance of your product (machine) based on the build achievements you earn. These will be ranked and updated on a class "Leaderboard".
3) Participation. Spot checks will be conducted to determine your level of involvement on the project.
Please familiarize yourselves with the new build achievements that have been established.
1) Blog post write up based on these questions (tuned up version of handout).
2) The performance of your product (machine) based on the build achievements you earn. These will be ranked and updated on a class "Leaderboard".
3) Participation. Spot checks will be conducted to determine your level of involvement on the project.
Please familiarize yourselves with the new build achievements that have been established.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Machine Control Capstone Project: Build Achievements
We will implement an "Achivement" based system in evaluating the "product" portion of our Machine Control Capstone Project. The following is a breakout of the current achievements that are possible to earn. Team procucts will be ranked off of the number of achievements they earn:
Marble Sorting (some achievments scored multiple times):
Sort one marble (x1)
Sort two marbles (x1)
Sort three marbles (x1)
Sort four marbles (x1)
Sort four marbles (x2)
Sort five marbles (x1)
Sort five marbles (x2)
Sort five marbles (x3)
Marble Delivery (may use non-robo pro materials to create a "hopper" to drop marbles into for "Drop" achievements):
Drop marbles from 6" above machine
Drop marbles from 1' above machine
Drop marbles from 2' above machine
Systems (not including motor or piston used to charge your pressure vessel):
Use one piston
Use two pistons
Use pneumatics but less than three pistons
Use one motor
Marble Sorting (some achievments scored multiple times):
Sort one marble (x1)
Sort two marbles (x1)
Sort three marbles (x1)
Sort four marbles (x1)
Sort four marbles (x2)
Sort five marbles (x1)
Sort five marbles (x2)
Sort five marbles (x3)
Marble Delivery (may use non-robo pro materials to create a "hopper" to drop marbles into for "Drop" achievements):
Drop marbles from 6" above machine
Drop marbles from 1' above machine
Drop marbles from 2' above machine
Systems (not including motor or piston used to charge your pressure vessel):
Use one piston
Use two pistons
Use pneumatics but less than three pistons
Use one motor
Coronado - 1, UBL - 0
Incredible news this evening...
Congratulations to the Navy Special Warfare community that is such a presence here in Coronado. It seems that the SEAL operators conducted a remarkable raid. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the operation.
Having first become aware of Usama Bin Laden way back in '98 as a young Army Infantry Officer conducting operations in Europe, this is especially noteworthy to me.
What considerations would you have to make in planning an operation of this nature?
Congratulations to the Navy Special Warfare community that is such a presence here in Coronado. It seems that the SEAL operators conducted a remarkable raid. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the operation.
Having first become aware of Usama Bin Laden way back in '98 as a young Army Infantry Officer conducting operations in Europe, this is especially noteworthy to me.
What considerations would you have to make in planning an operation of this nature?
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