Use this sticker as you seek understanding of the assignment or problem. Typically this will come from the community, your instructor, or your own observation. You must completely understand the objectives of the project to be successful, so this step is crucial. Develop active listening skills! Entry events for a project are usually a great place to start!
Use this sticker as you examine a problem from all angles. Ask questions, observe people, situations, and artifacts. Develop empathy for the problem that people facing the situation are experiencing. Find out what you know and what you need to know. Explore all of it!
Use this sticker as you are discussing and exploring ideas for how to solve a problem. Record these ideas quickly. Ideas may come in the form of graphic organizers, notes, drawings, outlines, or video blogs. Remember to seek feedback before progressing to the next step (then use the Evaluation/Modification sticker).
Use this sticker as you share your more formal ideas--3-d prototypes, mock-ups, drafts, skits, simulations, and storyboards. Remember to seek feedback before progressing to the next step (then use the Evaluation/Modification sticker).
Use this sticker when you are evaluating your decisions at each step in the process. When you note a user’s feedback also note what you intend to do about it going forward.
Use this sticker to explain how you are trying your prototype with real users. Try it out and note the way it performs and is understood by a real audience. Explain methodology and note observations.
8/20/2024
Pair Programming
I made this pixel art painting using codewith ultrakarel.
Today, I learned how to make paper by blending old scraps, creating a pulp, and spreading it on a screen to dry. Chemistry relates to paper-making because the process involves breaking down cellulose fibers in the scraps and bonding them back together as the water drains and the fibers dry. The way these fibers interact determines the paper’s texture and strength. Hand-made paper can be an art form because you can experiment with colors, textures, and even add materials like flowers or threads for unique designs. It’s creative and allows for personal expression in a functional medium!
Today, I explored Chinese painting using ink and dye along with the broken brush technique. This method involves using a brush with uneven or frayed bristles to create textured, expressive strokes. I experimented with blending ink and dye to achieve soft gradients and dynamic contrasts. The broken brush technique added unique textures to my painting, mimicking natural patterns like tree bark or rugged landscapes. This experience taught me the importance of control and spontaneity in art, and I enjoyed how the process combined precision with creative freedom.
You can make dye using everyday ingredients like red cabbage, turmeric, beets, and onion skins. Boiling these in water releases their color, and adding vinegar or baking soda can change the shade. These natural dyes can be used to color fabric, and paper, or for painting in an eco-friendly way.
A fun experiment is testing how different materials absorb dye. Try dipping cotton, wool, and synthetic fabric in the same dye and see which holds the color best. This connects art and chemistry by showing how materials react differently, just like artists use pigments and chemists study color interactions.
Today, I tried weaving on a cardboard loom using dark blue yarn for the base and white and purple yarn for the design. I used a shuttle to guide the yarn through the warp threads and a pencil to lift the threads and make weaving easier. It was fun and relaxing to create patterns, and I learned how important it is to keep the yarn tension even. Watching the design take shape as I worked was satisfying!
My partner and I modeled ionic and covalent bonding through paper weaving in this activity. For ionic bonds, we used complementary colors to show the transfer of electrons and the attraction between oppositely charged ions. For covalent bonds, we added a shared "electron" strand woven through both pieces to represent shared electrons. This hands-on project helped us visualize the differences between these two types of bonds while combining art and science.
Food connects me to my African American and Ghanaian roots. Dishes like jollof rice remind me of my heritage and bring a sense of pride. Sweet potato pie and soul food reflect family traditions and shared memories. I also enjoy cooking, which lets me express creativity and connect with these cultural flavors. Food is about family, identity, and the joy of making something meaningful.
ELA - 10/07/2024
I focused on preparing for the presentation of my short film. This involved creating a visual and verbal overview of the project, ensuring I could effectively communicate my vision and process to the audience.
This Tibetan Buddhist mandala is used in meditation and rituals, representing the universe. Created during sacred ceremonies, it serves as a visual aid for establishing spiritual connections. Mandalas embody a microcosm of the universe and are seen as a form of devotion, aiding focus in healing practices. They appear across cultures like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions, symbolizing the cosmos and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Their geometric patterns and circular designs resonate with the human psyche, making them effective tools for meditation and reflection. It showcases the balance, repetition, contrast, and unity principles of design.
ELA - 9/23/2024 - 10/4/2024
Filming and editing took place over these weeks. Each day brought new challenges and exciting moments as we captured various scenes, and I began piecing them together in the editing software.
ELA - 9/19/2024
I compiled a costume and prop list and worked on the PBL Showcase flyer. Organizing these elements helped me visualize the film’s aesthetic and plan for the upcoming showcase.
Engineering Concepts - 9/19/2024
What does physics have to do with my ultrasonic sensor?
Today, I learned how physics is key to my ultrasonic sensor. This device uses ultrasound, which are sound waves above the audible hearing range of humans. It measures distance without making any noise we can hear, allowing for non-contact range measurement. The sensor has a trigger pin that sends out ultrasonic waves and an echo pin that receives them after they bounce back.
By measuring the time it takes for the waves to return, we can calculate distance using the formula:
Distance = (Speed of Sound×Time)/2
For example, if the return time is 0.1 seconds, the calculation would be:
Distance = (343 m/s x 0.1 s)/2 = 17.15
This tells us the object is 17.15 meters away. Understanding how to measure angles can also help improve detection in specific directions. In summary, the physics of sound waves, time measurement, and calculations all make ultrasonic sensors effective hardware for distance measurement!
ELA - 9/17/2024
I attended Dad’s Garage Acting Class, which helped me understand how to bring my characters to life. The exercises and feedback from instructors improved my approach to directing the actors.
ELA - 9/13/2024
I conducted a table read with peers, gathering feedback on the script. This session was invaluable for identifying areas that needed revision, and I made several adjustments based on the group’s insights.
ELA - 9/11/2024
I continued script writing, polishing dialogue and tightening the overall structure. This process helped clarify the film’s message and improved the pacing of key scenes.
Engineering Concepts - 9/3/2024
What does physics have to do with your robot?
Physics helps my design by determining how I move and interact with the environment. It involves principles like friction to ensure I function correctly and efficiently. Friction affects how your robot and wheeled objects move. It provides the grip needed for wheels to roll without slipping, but too much friction can slow them down and cause wear. On the other hand, too little friction can lead to slipping and reduced control. Balancing friction is key for smooth and efficient movement.
Art means a lot to me. My parents are artists in different ways so I was raised around art. I consider myself an artist through the medium of music and visual through my sketches occasionally. I think other subjects can be art like math. I believe math can be art because more often than not there are multiple ways to get to the correct answer, and the way you choose to solve problems is mostly through your creativity. I also think ELA can be art because there is normally narrative writing. This narrative writing is a way to express yourself like all other art.