8P3 - Reverse Engineering

• Using screwdrivers, hot glue, and an old monitor, I built a sailboat to demonstrate that you can repurpose old items to create something entirely new. By transforming discarded materials into a functional piece, I wanted to highlight the creativity and value that can come from reimagining what we usually see as junk.

• During this process, I learned how to disassemble a monitor, which gave me insight into its internal components and how they function. Taking it apart taught me to be patient and precise, as some parts were delicate and required careful handling. This experience helped me develop both technical and creative skills while reinforcing the idea that old or broken items can still have value when used in new ways. 

• My project connects to the Innovative Designer standard because I took something old and transformed it into something entirely new. By using materials like screwdrivers, hot glue, and a monitor, I designed and built a sailboat from items that would otherwise be considered waste. This process challenged me to think creatively, solve problems, and apply hands-on skills to bring my idea to life. 

• A challenge I overcame during this project was struggling to disassemble the monitor properly. Some parts were tricky to take apart, and I wasn’t sure how to handle them without causing damage. I was able to get through it by asking my table partners for help.

• Given a chance to do this again, I would change what I made. A sailboat, while a fun and creative idea, seems like it would be relatively easy to recreate. Instead, I would challenge myself to come up with something more complex or unique, pushing my problem-solving and design skills further. It would be exciting to take on a more intricate project that requires more innovation and thought. 

• My project connects to the Construction Trades CTE program at Hastings High School because it involved hands-on work, problem-solving, and the use of tools to create something from scratch. Similar to the skills learned in construction trades, I had to carefully plan, measure, and assemble different parts to bring my sailboat to life. This process helped me understand the importance of precision and creativity in building and construction, making it a perfect fit for the CTE program's focus on practical, real-world skills.   

• My project connects to careers in Civil Engineering because, like a civil engineer, I took existing materials and transformed them into something new and functional. Civil engineers often repurpose materials or design structures with limited resources, finding creative solutions to complex problems. Similarly, I had to think critically and use available tools to redesign the monitor into a sailboat, demonstrating the problem-solving and innovative thinking that are key skills in civil engineering. 

I acknowledge that I used ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, to assist in composing and refining the written content of this project.