Class Reflection

 

  Fun in class!

Although the class has been fun, the trimester is coming to a close. I signed up for the class thinking it was going to be a class based on computer work but it turned out to be a project based on projects. Although this wasn't the ideal class for me, I thought it was fun for the most part and a good experience. During this trimester, we did three projects: egg drop, mouse trap powered vehicle, and bridge/ seismograph. My favorite was the mouse trap vehicle while my least favorite was the bridge/seismograph.

     The mouse trap vehicle was my favorite because it had a lot to do with testing. The problem solving aspect of the assignment was fun in my opinion. I liked testing the car and making it go as far as it could go. Although it fell off the counter and broke, we were still able to fix it and make it go 50 feet! It was really cool to see the different designs and how each of them worked, which I thought was a cool comparison.

Favorite project!

    The bridge/ seismograph project was my least favorite because it involved a lot of planning. When we got the point of doing the project, I was into the whole working with the materials instead of drawing out pictures. I didn't want to wait and draw it out to make it perfect because I suck at drawing and I just wanted to build. I think it would have been better to have this project in the beginning since I think it requires the most amount of planning and time management skills. It would have been good to develop that first then work on the rest of the projects that seemed to be more hands on.

least favorite :(

     The class set up worked well with me since I was very set on beating my brother in some of the projects. It would have been more focused as a class overall if there were check points in the project to help guide the time spent working. Also, I believe that it would have been better for the class to have done more research in some of the projects. I was confused on some of the concepts with some of the projects so I would have wanted more information that I didn't think of looking up until later. Another thing that could have been helpful is having assigned partners for a project to help develop skills with working with people unlike yourself. It would have been neat to have to balance traits and figure out a group dynamic to be productive.

     I learned in this class that planning is very important. I always dive into projects without thinking a lot about what I was going to do, but this class made me slow down and think about what aspects could be good or bad to include. Another thing that I worked on is partner working. I like to be in control and I am very stubborn. Working with some people in this class allowed me to have discussions and improve designs I had in my head. I liked the dynamic of the competitive group environment in the class.

    This class has made me want to take more technology classes like it because its a nice change of pace from the normal sitting and listening to a lecture. I think it has been beneficial to me in developing skills that will benefit me further on in many aspects of my life. The class also allowed me to be competitive which made me work harder to beat everyone else. Being in this class, I have learned a lot while having fun.

Design Challenge: Seismograph

Project Explanation: The challenge for this project was to create a seismograph that could record different amount of movement. We also had to create a scale for the movement.

Technological Concepts: Basically, we learned about the different parts of the seismograph, like the recording instrument that stays stationary while the rest of the seismograph moves with the motion of the ground. We also learned about the Richter scale and how it is based on a logarithm so with each step it increases by a power of ten. There wasn't much else we needed to learn because the tools we were using had been use for past projects.

Learning Goals: The goal for this project was learning how to balance the instrument enough to record small movement but also making sure it has the capacity to record large movement without breaking. Also, we had to learn to create a somewhat standard way to rate the movement.

Design Brief: For our project, we decided to create to towers on either side of the base. Then, we added a pole through the tower to hold the role of paper for the pen to record on. A lid on the graph with a hole in it provided support to hold the pen while the pen was held in a thin piece of wood on a pole on the top of the lid. The pen reaches the paper through the hole on the lid. We added a block of wood for the wood piece holding the pen to sit on so the pen would be a good height for writing on the paper.

the final product

Positive Feedback: We got the contraption to a point where is was functional and it could actually record on the paper. It recorded different numbers on the scale for each size shake. Also, we planned well enough so the original idea was very close the final product. The construction of the seismograph was durable as well and it was very aesthetically pleasing.

Redesign Paragraph: If we were to redesign the seismograph, I would want to make the pen more loosely moving. Having the hole in the piece of wood holding the pencil be larger so the pen would be more free moving which would record little movement more. Also, I would put it the right way on the table so the pen would move back and forth.

Technological Resources: Most of the seismograph was made out of wood, which was provided. Other than wood, all we needed was a pen and paper. The roll of paper was also provided and the pen was easy to find laying around. The project cost just about nothing to us. We were the people used with making the instrument along with Mr. OD who helped with using some of the tools. Time was limited to in class work but ample amount of days were given to finish the project.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge was trying to get the pen to write on the paper. We started with using a pencil, so there had to be pressure between the pencil and the paper. If the pencil didn't stay exactly where it was, it would stop having enough pressure to write. When we changed the writing utensil, it marked better since less pressure was needed to create a mark.

What I learned: Essentially, this project taught me the same thing as the last. Time management was key along with planning and working as most as possible each day. Problem solving was key in the project since little adjustments could make it better. We spent a few days just tweaking the design to make it a bit better. Recognizing the things that were going to help the instrument was key in the problem solving process.

Design Challenge: Popsicle Stick Bridge

Project Explanation: The challenge given was to create a bridge that would hold the maximum amount of weight. We were only given Popsicle sticks and white glue.

Technological Concepts: In this project, we had obviously had to learn about bridges. Concepts that were covered in research about bridges include shape of bridges and cables. The shape has to do with holding weight because the bridge has to have supports and cannot be too flimsy. One shape that we found helpful to use was something called a truss, which is a criss-cross pattern of laying the supports. It helps since it spreads the force of the weight. Cables are also a big part of bridges. Cable hold up the bridge with tension and take the force of the weight of the bridge and hold it at the end.

Learning Goals: Some things that we were trying to explore was how different shapes of metal bridges can be recreated. Also, we experimented with combining different concepts with different bridges. It was important in the challenge to learn time management since we were constructing two things at once.

Design Brief: The main focus for the bridge was the truss idea with criss-crosses of the Popsicle sticks. We built the side and top in that way. The bottom was just straight sticks because we felt since the weights were going on top, the top should be well constructed and the bottom didn't need to be as strong. We made the frame for the bottom longer than the truss goes on the side so the bridge has an easier time spanning the 16 inches but the truss is still focused on the part that will hold most the weight.

side/ top of the bridge

through the bridge

Positive Feedback: The bridge looked like what we wanted it to look. Also, it met all the goals we set in the beginning of the process.The efficiency of the bridge was 12,000% as well so that was good. Another thing that was good was it the sides were put together well and didn't break when the bridge snapped. The design of the bridge was a good design as well.

Redesign Paragraph: If we could do it again, the thing I would want to change the most is construction quality. The bridge was fairly sturdy but I would want to make sure it lines up better and it more exactly symmetrical. Also, the sides were a bit crooked and so I would want to fix that because that was one of the largest downfalls of the bridge. I might change the design a bit to make wider trusses because the bridge that held the most weight so far had a larger angle for the truss.

Technological Resources: The project was specific in having only 120 Popsicle sticks and white glue. A lot of the information we used to design the bridge came from websites provided for us in the packet. Time was not an issue for us since we had ample days in class to work on the project. My partner and I were the people involved with brainstorming and building of the bridge. The project didn't cost anything since the materials were provided for us.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge we had is getting the Popsicle sticks to dry in a straight line. It was hard because it we tried to put clips on, normally everything started to fall apart, but leaving the frame out to dry normally shifted the sticks if they were just moved a little bit. We just left the sticks on the table for most the hour and then we moved the structure to the locker when it was mostly dry. We only did a little bit of work on the bridge each day as well so the glue would dry faster and we wouldn't have to worry about it getting crooked overnight.

What I learned: This project taught me how to use my time wisely. While the bridge was drying we would always just move onto the other half of the project discussed in the next post. Also, splitting resources such as working on separate parts to get through the paper work quicker. This part taught me how to share information, as well, since we had to explain certain parts of the components to each other after filling in the packets. Planning was a big part of the project that helped me. We gathered materials first and then started laying everything out and cutting things to size so on the final days of working, we just had to glue things together which was fast and simple.

Design Challenge: Mouse Trap Cars

Project Explanation: The challenge given was to create a car powered just by a mouse trap spring. We were supposed to make it go as far as possible.

Technological Concepts: In this project, we had to consider things such as friction and wheel sizes. Friction is the force acting between two objects that are touching and moving. Too little friction will negatively affect the car because it won't have any grip on the ground. Too much friction will slow down the car. Wheel sizes also impact the distance the car travels. A larger wheel will turn slower but for each revolution of the wheel, the car will move farther. A smaller wheel will turn very quickly but for each revolution, the car won't move as far.

Learning Goals: For this project, we wanted to learn about how different aspects of a car affect the distance it goes. Learning goals included balancing friction of the wheels and experimenting with different amounts of testing to maximize the spring potential during the actual race.

Design Brief: For our mouse trap car, we used records for the powering wheels, We decided that they would be better to use so it can go farther because even though they won't turn as fast, they can still build up momentum. We attached CDs to toy car wheels in the front. Originally we were just going to use the toy car wheels, but we had to change them because the down slope was too steep for the frame of the car. We just used wood to create the frame and a base for the mouse trap to sit on. For the lever for the string, we used a part of a hanger. We attached it to the side of the mousetrap by using duct tape. The front axle came with the toy car wheels, and the back axle we made out of dowel rod. We attached the records to the dowel rods with caps glue to the record and the rod.

Final Product!!

Positive Feedback: The car worked very well and it went 50 feet! The wheels turned well despite first thoughts that we had about the wheels would run into the body. The lever ran all the way down instead of stopping halfway. This helped the car go far since it was using all the string. Another thing that went well was the car went straight. We thought it would turn because the wheels were a little wobbly, but it actually went pretty perfectly straight. This also helped it go further.

Redesign Paragraph: Although the car went far once, it had flaws. When the string was round up twice, it didn't self start so I would have maybe cut the lever a little so it would be easier to start with still using all the string. Also, The car back wheels were a little unstable so it would have been better to glue more/ at more points to ensure that they are going to go straight. Another thing that would have been good to do is to stabilize where the body of the car was. I think this would have been beneficial because it would have made sure the body didn't run into the wheels. We could have added zip ties around the body.

Technological Resources: The project was open ended when it came to what you could use for the cars. The wood was provided for in class and other materials could be found around the house. We were only limited by what we wanted to spend to get materials. Luckily, we were able to just find everything we wanted. Information came from Lauren and myself along with some Google searches for how different styles of car worked. We had more than enough time for construction- about two weeks. The group was the main party involved with planning and construction.

Biggest Challenge: One thing that could be considered our biggest challenge was reconstruction of the car after it fell off the counter. It was not that hard to reconstruct as we just had to re-glue some areas. I think our real biggest challenge was deciding what to use for wheels because we had lots of debate of what was going to work the best for going the furthest.

What I learned: This project taught me the necessity of planning and brainstorming. Talking with Lauren about the best way to do things helped us to see each side of the argument and make informed decisions. Planning was also key because we had to be very precise when constructing the car so it would go forward. It would be bad if we cut uneven holes. In this project, thinking ahead to every detail was very vital to the operation. It also taught me to think ahead to problems that could occur so we wouldn't have to go back and fix it later due to a stupid mistake.

Design Challenge: Egg Drop

Project Explanation: In this project, we first were given some materials and an egg. We had to build something with the given materials to protect the egg when dropped. Then, we were given a set of rules and had to build something with any materials that we brought that followed the rules to protect the egg when dropped from the balcony.

Technological Concepts: In this project we learned about things such as momentum, inertia, force, and crash zones. Crash zones are used to absorb force when a crash occurs so the force doesn't act on the passenger as much. Momentum is the energy that a thing builds up to keep it going when it is moving. Inertia is the idea that something tends to stay the same, as in an object in motion will stay in motion and an object at rest will stay at rest. Taking into account the energy and momentum the egg will have when it is dropping helped us to decide what materials we wanted to use. The crash zone concepts helped us decide how much protection will be enough for the egg.

Learning Goals: For this project, we wanted to demonstrate the design process with the design matrix and assess how each design will meet the goals. Another goal was learning time management with construction and understand how to stay on task and meet standards set.

Design Brief Small Drop: In the first drop, we created a rectangular prism to hold the egg. To secure the egg in the middle, we added rubber bands around two side to hold the egg snug in the middle. The bottom was padded by the foam piece and we added a triangular parachute in hopes to slow down acceleration.

First device before dropping

This device was fairly successful but it didn't actually protect the egg that well. The egg made it 1.5 meters before it cracked, though, which was pretty good.

Oops

Design Brief Large Egg Drop: We kept with the same idea for this device. We made a cube out of Popsicle sticks to hold the egg. We used a part of a water hold lined with foam to actually hold the egg. We tied the water bottle holder to the frame with string.

Second egg drop device before drop

This device was better constructed and it landed exactly how we imagined every time, but the egg was gone by the first drop off the balcony.

Device is okay! Egg is not...

Positive Feedback: The design worked when dropped, it did not bounce too much and it landed on the right side. In the little drop, the device often flipped the side. The little drop also lasted just about as long as most of the rest of the designs lasted. The big drop was constructed well, I think, and it looked a lot better than most the designs as it was not just a bunch of stuff that thrown around the egg.

Redesign Paragraph: In the little drop, we thought the only problem would be size and stress on the egg. Therefore, in the large drop we did not have anything putting stress around the egg. We also made the whole device larger. In the large drop, I thought the design was golden and it landed the way we expected. We speculated that the egg broke due to large force so I would add more soft things around the egg in the water bottle holder so it wouldn't be damaged.

Technological Resources: The people involved in the designing and planning was mostly Lauren and I. We were limited in the first egg drop to the resources listed. In the second drop, we could use anything that we could get our hands on to bring in. We had a couple days for construction in each case. We could pull information from the internet meaning we could have access to information pretty much world wide. The project didn't really cost anything since we just found things around the house to use.

Biggest Challenge: I think the biggest problem was time for Lauren and I because we used glue to first put everything together and since you have to wait for the glue to dry, we were pretty limited on what we could do each day. We had enough time to do everything but waiting for the glue to dry to continue putting things together came up as a problem a lot which caused us to not utilize all of the time in each day occasionally.

What I learned: From this project, I learned how to generate ideas. Since we had to come with multiple designs, I had to imagine different things I could generate with the materials. Normally I would have just thought of one thing and went with it. I also learned give and take because since somethings needed to be glued together there was a lot of waiting. Other areas didn't have to be glued though, so we taped them together even though it wasn't as in place as the glue portions.

What is Technology?

Technology is human made processes and products that extend human potential and satisfy human needs. There are three areas of technology: physical, information/communication, and bio-related. Physical technology are things such as construction and transportation, things that involve physical work/needs. Information/communication technology normally encompasses what everyday people think of as technology, including media sites and cell phones. This kind of technology deals with sending and receiving information, whether it is from human to human, machine to human, or machine to machine. Bio-related technology is related to living things. The bio-related technologies include prosthetic, cloning, and environmental protection aspects. There are two systems of technology; open and closed systems. An open system takes into account the outside needs and allows for feedback whereas the closed systems think that everything will work perfectly without any error. Open systems are more generally used now. The resources of technology are tools, machines, processes, materials, people, capital, energy, time, and information.
The eight steps of technology are as follow:
1. Identify the problem
2. Set Goals
3. Research
4. Create ideas
5. Select the best idea
6. Implement/build
7. Test
8. Feedback

All About Me

Me!

Anne Boxeth
Junior Class
Graduating 2015


"The sun as the expression of old world energy is torn down from the heavens by modern man, who by virtue of his technological superiority creates his own energy source."
                           -El Lissitzky


My name is Anne Boxeth. I like to do many activities such as cross country, ultimate frisbee, coaching girls on the run, and basketball. I am also a part of NHS. In the future, I would like to study chemical engineering. My favorite subjects are math and chemistry although I also enjoy physics but I have only taken a trimester of honors physics. I have two brothers, Kyle and Ryan. We are a very competitive family, therefore in this class one of my main goals will probably always be to beat my brother's team.