20% Time

Last class was the first time we used "20% time". This concept is where students get 20% of the total class time to work in the Makerspace on whatever they'd like. In this case, we were allowed to do anything related to our Maker Faire Project. I think 20% time is a great opportunity to apply and practice what we have learned in class. We will really get a chance to enhance our skills and continue to work towards becoming better engineers.

Instant Challenge - Ship the Chip (continued)

Today the rest of the envelopes of chips returned in the mail. Our chip was among the first to come back to the school. Because of this, my partner and I opened our envelope in front of our class.

After removing envelope

We carefully unwound the structure so as not to cause additional damage. Once all the covering was removed, we were happy to find that our chip did not break at all. We were among the few in the class who were successful with this Instant Challenge. 

After removing structure

Click here to access the link to our design brief! 

Instant Challenge - Ship the Chip

Today we participated in an Instant Challenge called "Ship the Chip". The objective of this challenge was to create a packaging for a Dorito/Pringle that would prevent the chip from cracking. We were given a time limit and material limit. After we created the packaging, we would mail the chip in the envelope. Before we began the actual construction, we created a free-hand sketch of our design. Our idea was that we would first support the chip using popsicle sticks, then we would use pipe cleaners to secure the popsicle sticks in place. The pipe cleaners would also cushion the structure from movement within the envelope.

Sketch of "Ship the Chip" structure

As mentioned above, we used pipe cleaners and miniature popsicle sticks to make our structure. We were given a budget of $100 (yes, of course, real cash). See the link to our Design Brief for the purchase list.

My partner starting the structure

It was very difficult to get the chip into our structure without having it crack completely. If you look closely, you will notice how we chose a chip that was relatively deformed. We were able to chose our chips, which was helpful; I figured that if the chip was folded over, it would be more immune to breakage. 

Me working on structure

STEM Cookie Exchange

Today is the last day before we are released for winter break. To celebrate the end of the year and semester, some students brought in cookies and milk to share with the class. You could feel the happiness and excitement in the air.

My first semester in high school brought so many new experiences and people. I am very grateful I met the people I have. Looking back on my STEM Learning Community journey so far, I have decided that my favorite memory was making penny hockey sets. I especially enjoyed using the laser engraver. I have already engraved a number of products, and I am fairly happy with the results. The next semester will bring along many more of these wonderful experiences. I am looking forward to what comes next.

My friends and me in the Makerspace

Modern Marvels - "Measure It"

Today we watched a Modern Marvels movie on measuring. The video followed the agency NIST (National Institute of Standard Technology). NIST defines measurements we use in our everyday lives. The video also included detailed explanations on the establishment and process of measuring. One of the sections was on measuring systems (Customary and Metric).

Canned Food Drive

The GBS Canned Food Drive has been going on for approximately a month. Recently, we were informed that the school was far below the target requirement of donations. In response, Block 3 STEM IED was granted a deal. Mr. Sinde told us that if we were able to produce about $125 worth of cans as a class, we would be able to take our Unit 3 test at home. Our class includes 25 students, meaning each of us had to contribute at least $5. The way we produced this amount was open-ended. Some students raised money through hosting a penny hockey tournament during a lunch period. Some students donated cash, and some brought in actual cans. Michelle Barsukov, Will Okuno, and I helped manage the collection of funds. We created a spreadsheet to keep track of who brought in what. Together, Block 3 raised $202 cash plus 30 additional cans.

Instant Challenge - Spaghetti and Marshmallow Tower

Final project

Today was a "Fun Friday" in honor of first quarter's end. We extended our class into our lunch period to have pizza and snacks. Once everyone had their fill, we participated in something known as an Instant Challenge. Our task was to use a certain number of spaghetti noodles and marshmallows to create the highest tower possible. The process was documented in my engineering notebook. A key subject I included in my notebook was a design brief. The briefing was made up of the client company, target consumer, designers, problem statement, design statement, and constraints. To model what the final product may look like, I sketched some designs of potential spaghetti-marshmallow towers. My strategy was to focus on height using the least amount of materials, but as the structure's complexity increased, I would add more materials for stability. Below shows my final project. It was one of the tallest in the class, and it was definitely the sturdiest. I look forward to our next Instant Challenge.