Project 3: Welcome Bots

Design Goal

This week, we had the opportunity to get familiar with the wood workshop in the Fimbel Workspace. We were introduced to working with saws and the two different sanders. I felt proud to have some of the boxes filled in my ability badge. Now that we were familiar with some of the woodworking tools, we were ready to start working on our BloxBots. I was very excited about spending more time alone in the wood workshop.

Sawing and more Sawing

After looking at some past projects and other BoxBlots on the internet, I gathered a rough idea of what I wanted my bot to look like. Then, I decided to start cutting up the different wood pieces that would make up the bot. Then, I used the combo sanders to smooth out my pieces. Then, I started drilling holes in each piece.

However, when I got to the main body block, I realized that the drill was not long enough to drill a hole through the piece. I tried to make a hole by drilling from two sides but the hole ended up slanted and went through the wood. Thus, I ended up cutting and sanding another block to replace the damaged piece.

Assembling the bot

After failing to drill the hole through the body piece, I decided to connect the pieces using wires and nails instead of rope. I attached the leg pieces with long nails. I used a metal wire to attach the hands to the body. Then, I edited the code that we were given by Audrey to make an additional external LED light up when a sound is heard. I attached the circuit board and the battery to the bot using Velcro stickers. Then, I was done assembling my BoxBlot!

Final Design

20231002_180915.mp4

Reflection

In high school, I was a member of the drama club. We would devise short skits and acts to perform at the end of each academic year. When I decided to join the club, it was not because of my interest in plays and theater but wanting to spend more time with my friends. Much to my surprise, I spent all four years of my high school as a member. I did start developing an interest in script writing, preparing props, and improv acting but it was the sense of belongingness that made me stay.

Through the first few meetings, we took time to get to know each other through different activities. It did not take us too much time to become a close-knit group. Every Tuesday and Thursday I looked forward to meeting them and learning something new every day. Each of us found a unique way to contribute to the club while also appreciating each other's input. While I was extremely proud of all the plays and acts we prepared, I enjoyed working together behind the scenes the most. I think it was that sense of belongingness that made me return to the club each year.

If I could advise my former self, I would ask her to fully embrace her Chinese classes in high school. I feel that I did not make a fair effort to learn the language and immerse myself in the culture. Now, in college, I have thoroughly enjoyed every class of my First Year Chinese. Learning the different characters and reading about the different festivals has not only helped me admire Chinese culture but also helped me appreciate my own culture and background.

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