Thursday, May 26, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Calorimetry Challenge
The goal of the Calorimetry challenge is to design, build, and test a calorimetry setup to measure the heat given off in a chemical reaction. Using an arduino, we need to code an immersion heater and stirring rod to control temperature. All of this needs to be done in a Styrofoam cup.
To start, we used Autodesk Inventor to 3D model the cover and stirring rod of the setup. The cover needed a place to hold the immersion heater and allow for a thermistor to pass through, while the stirring rod needed to mix the heat throughout the water. We based a lot of our designs on the example provided to us in class. The only inconvenience was trying to accurately measure all dimensions of the cup. It was time consuming, but we were able to do so using a caliper. The above mentioned thermistor needed to be wired into a voltage divider circuit and monitored by an analog pin on the arduino; the transistor-mechanical relay circuit needed to control the immersion heater through a digital pin on the arduino. The first time through, we accidentally forgot to change the units in Autodesk to inches. The piece printed in millimeters and was extremely small. Then we had to restart both pieces because we forgot to save the originals. On the right is are pictures of how the parts appeared on Inventor. Below is an image of the final printed pieces.
Next we completed the Thermistor Calibration. First we wired the thermistor on the breadboard and wrote a code to get corresponding values of Serial Monitor readings at various temperatures. Here is a copy of the code. We placed the thermometer inside the warm water and got the initial temperature (in degrees Celsius) and the Serial Monitor reading. As the water cooled, we gradually collected more data points. Once we had enough data, we graphed the points and found the equation y=0.352x-153.073.
We finished wiring the general Arduino setup using this guide. The goal was to make a mock-up experiment where we'd light up a large bulb instead of the immersion heater. To do this, we wrote a program that puts heat in for 10 seconds, then stirs for 10 seconds, then puts out a temperature and total heat added in the Serial Monitor. Once the mock-up worked, we replaced the bulb wiring with the immersion heater one. The video of our experiment can be found here. The image below was our final successful setup.
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| Final printed pieces |
Next we completed the Thermistor Calibration. First we wired the thermistor on the breadboard and wrote a code to get corresponding values of Serial Monitor readings at various temperatures. Here is a copy of the code. We placed the thermometer inside the warm water and got the initial temperature (in degrees Celsius) and the Serial Monitor reading. As the water cooled, we gradually collected more data points. Once we had enough data, we graphed the points and found the equation y=0.352x-153.073. 
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Saponification - Blog 2
Avon Guest Speakers
The additives (coloring and scent) we used in our soap product were supplied by the company Avon. Last class, we had guest speakers from Avon come in to tell us about their experience working there. They even brought in products that they helped create! The combination of this project along with the guest speakers were very interesting because they showed me how much thought is put into products we use everyday.
Presentation Day
Today was the final day in class of the soap project. We started by removing the molds of our soaps. The soap bars had over a week to set, so by that point, they should have been neutralized. but just to be safe, we wore safety gloves anyways. It was difficult to take the molds off, especially because some walls were too thick. This caused some of our product to break off. We used the extra pieces as the samples for testing. When we tested the pH level of our soap, the paper came out a medium green color, meaning it was not too acidic. After that, we took pictures of our soap bars using the Mini Photo Studio I made for last year's Maker Faire. (I knew it would come in handy!)
Overall, presentations were very successful. Our peers conducted general and sensory evaluations on our product. We also had guests come in to evaluate our product and display, and it was fun to present what we had worked so hard on! As seen in one of the pictures, our soap was also displayed in the Mini Photo Studio, and it attracted much attention. The soaps were displayed alongside decorated packaging boxes my partner Isabella made.
Overall Reflection
What was your favorite aspect of the project?
My favorite part of the project was the marketing portion. I am a very visual person; I love designing things and creating the best way to make it apPEEL (haha get it?) to whoever sees it. This is part of the reason why I created the Mini Photo Studio! The commercial for this project was very fun to make, and I loved presenting our completed products to our peers and guests. Click here to see the full advertisement! If I had time, I would have made a poster in addition the the commercial!
What would you differently if you got another redesign?
I would have created the soap mold differently. The final designs in the soap came out decently; however, it took a lot of effort and strain to do so. We broke some pieces of our product off in the the process, and if we were to do the project again, we would try to avoid the trouble. Likely part of the reason why it was so difficult to remove the molds was beca
use the walls and bases were too thick. Another likely reason could be a flaw in the actual formula of the product that may have caused it to stick stubbornly to the molds. In that case, we would need to do more research on the formula.
The additives (coloring and scent) we used in our soap product were supplied by the company Avon. Last class, we had guest speakers from Avon come in to tell us about their experience working there. They even brought in products that they helped create! The combination of this project along with the guest speakers were very interesting because they showed me how much thought is put into products we use everyday.
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| Mini Photo Studio and Sheallard Fusion |
Today was the final day in class of the soap project. We started by removing the molds of our soaps. The soap bars had over a week to set, so by that point, they should have been neutralized. but just to be safe, we wore safety gloves anyways. It was difficult to take the molds off, especially because some walls were too thick. This caused some of our product to break off. We used the extra pieces as the samples for testing. When we tested the pH level of our soap, the paper came out a medium green color, meaning it was not too acidic. After that, we took pictures of our soap bars using the Mini Photo Studio I made for last year's Maker Faire. (I knew it would come in handy!)
Overall, presentations were very successful. Our peers conducted general and sensory evaluations on our product. We also had guests come in to evaluate our product and display, and it was fun to present what we had worked so hard on! As seen in one of the pictures, our soap was also displayed in the Mini Photo Studio, and it attracted much attention. The soaps were displayed alongside decorated packaging boxes my partner Isabella made.
Overall Reflection
What was your favorite aspect of the project?
 |
| Sheallard by Orange final product |
What would you differently if you got another redesign?
I would have created the soap mold differently. The final designs in the soap came out decently; however, it took a lot of effort and strain to do so. We broke some pieces of our product off in the the process, and if we were to do the project again, we would try to avoid the trouble. Likely part of the reason why it was so difficult to remove the molds was beca
use the walls and bases were too thick. Another likely reason could be a flaw in the actual formula of the product that may have caused it to stick stubbornly to the molds. In that case, we would need to do more research on the formula.
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| Group photo (Left to right: George G., Isabel D., Katheryn W.) |
Friday, January 8, 2016
Saponification - Blog 1
Overview
The Saponification Challenge explores different soap recipes. Four divisions were assigned to produce the "best" version of a soap product, using a unique fat blend and additive. Once the divisions each systematically and scientifically produce the best product from the formulation of fat blends, the individual team may formulate the final product containing an additive (texture, color, scent). I play the role of Lead Marketing Analyst. My job focuses on the aspects of product marketing. It mainly includes producing the product's advertisements and generating a cost analysis.
Introducing Our Team
My team includes Isabella Duan (Lead Product Manager) and George Gikas (Lead Scientist). As earlier mentioned, I am the Lead Marketing Analyst. We are the owners of Orange.
Process
Below is an embedded Google Document that shows some of our work, including research and additional ideas.
Work Day 1
Friday, January 8th, was the first time we got to experiment with fat quantities. Our division chose shea butter to mix with lard. Our team started with testing a 60% shea and 40% lard mixture. There were some additives displayed today; we were able to smell each of them to see if we'd like to use any in our final product. Ideally we would make our soap smell like oranges, especially since we have a mold shaped like the fruit, but if not, we will find some other fruity or citrusy scent. Either will do.
Previously we 3D printed three different mold designs. Because our company name is "Orange", we went with an orange theme....
Choice Reflection
What have you liked?
I liked how we were assigned group members. Although working with close friends is always fun, this gives us a good opportunity to get to know more of the SLC. I also liked that we were able to decide on which role we would take on. This allowed us to chose based on our strengths, setting the stage for the best soap product possible.
What has been challenging?
The amount of independence in the project is definitely the most challenging. Although this leaves us with some freedom, it is hard to see how the next week will play out. We also have little background in the matter. In the past year of STEM, we have never learned the skills we are about to use in this challenge. For example, we have never wired and built our own mixer, nor have we made our own chemical mixture. In order to be successful, we will need to plan ahead and conduct reliable research.
What are you excited about next week?
I look forward to seeing how our product comes out! This being said, I am also excited for creating the advertisement for our product. In the past I have taken a "Design and Invention" class where we had to market our invention, and I had a great experience. I will be able to reapply the skills I obtained in the past to the current challenge.
Introducing Our Team
My team includes Isabella Duan (Lead Product Manager) and George Gikas (Lead Scientist). As earlier mentioned, I am the Lead Marketing Analyst. We are the owners of Orange.
Process
Below is an embedded Google Document that shows some of our work, including research and additional ideas.
Work Day 1
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| Me making soap |
Previously we 3D printed three different mold designs. Because our company name is "Orange", we went with an orange theme....
Choice Reflection
What have you liked?
I liked how we were assigned group members. Although working with close friends is always fun, this gives us a good opportunity to get to know more of the SLC. I also liked that we were able to decide on which role we would take on. This allowed us to chose based on our strengths, setting the stage for the best soap product possible.
What has been challenging?
The amount of independence in the project is definitely the most challenging. Although this leaves us with some freedom, it is hard to see how the next week will play out. We also have little background in the matter. In the past year of STEM, we have never learned the skills we are about to use in this challenge. For example, we have never wired and built our own mixer, nor have we made our own chemical mixture. In order to be successful, we will need to plan ahead and conduct reliable research.
What are you excited about next week?
I look forward to seeing how our product comes out! This being said, I am also excited for creating the advertisement for our product. In the past I have taken a "Design and Invention" class where we had to market our invention, and I had a great experience. I will be able to reapply the skills I obtained in the past to the current challenge.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Atlas Stones Challenge - Day 8
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| Final robot design |
Throughout this challenge, we definitely came across setbacks, but they were minor in comparison to those we experienced in past challenges. Building the structure was almost second nature after being the third time around, and coding was not too difficult. However, something that we definitely learned was to use our resources wisely and efficiently. Many Lego pieces were not available due to misplacement and "hoarding"... We had to make do with the few pieces we had, which in the long run, was a blessing in disguise; our robot was simple and effective. Next time, both of us hope to do improve the speed of our robots.
Video link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_EDAYZEobu0eHBEUHdDbHJWcVU
Monday, November 9, 2015
Atlas Stones Challenge - Day 6
Today we continued to program. A few classes ago, we identified that the cause of jerking movements was due to an abundance of friction. We were able to eliminate this problem by adding a small piece that acted as a spacer. Doing this almost doubled our speed along with smoothing out the ride. At a point, this caused the robot to move too fast. We ended up decreasing the power so it would still follow the line. Once our robot is able to successfully complete the course, we plan on gradually increasing the power until it reaches its maximum speed.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Atlas Stones Challenge - Day 5
Today was another day of programming. Because of time limits, my partner and I decided to divide tasks; one of us programmed while the other worked on what goes on Blogger. An issue we dealt with today was the slowness of the NXT programming software. Much of the programming contains a similar pattern, so copy/paste would have been the most efficient route. However, whenever we tried to do so, the program took five times as long to load. Not as much progress as we anticipated occurred today. Next class we will continue the same process.
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