Journal #1
11/05/16
“The first steps”
Our projects are divided into several tasks. In the very first task, we must create a new Google account that will let host a website. Also,the first task requires us to choose a project from a list of around 200 different “hands-on” projects. What is special about these projects is that all of them revolve around a very specific scientific principle or set of principles that will be explored or demonstrated by each experiment. Next, task 2 requires us to investigate the history, advantages, disadvantages, and past and future applications between other characteristics of our projects. From task 2 forward, it is mostly about updating our website, writing a research paper, and filming and editing the video of our experiment.
Journal #3
11/07/16
“Research, Research, Research”
As I already mentioned, task 2 required me to research my project from top to bottom. To some people, researching their project was a long and tedious process. I did not feel the same way. I felt that researching my experiment was a must. The reason why I felt that researching my topic was very important was because there was no way for me to teach something I did not know. Through my investigation, I learned much more about the history, effects, and purpose of my project.
Journal #5
11/09/16
“One step at the time”
After choosing building a wireless communicator as my PBL, the next step was to start the actual planning and building of the project. In my case, I took more time than expected because my project is divided into three phases. The first phase consisted of figuring out the circuits for both the emitter and receiver part of my project. Next, using the schematics designed in the first phase, I built the prototype using basic materials that made the “skeleton” of the whole communicator. The third phase, and most interesting part, consisted of soldering the whole emitter and receiver from scratch. I took advantage of the soldering section of my project to refine my soldering and critical thinking skills. Honestly, watching my project taking shape was one of the greatest satisfactions.
Journal #7
11/11/16
“Double-trouble”
While building my first prototype, I encountered a series of problems regarding my main materials. The biggest issue I found had to do with the alligator clips I used when building my prototype. The problem with the alligator clips I was using was that they were broken on the inside. Later on, after, using the alligator clips that were good enough to work to finish the circuit, I realized that alligator clips tend to brake because they have stranded,copper wire on the inside. With time, stranded,copper wire tends to break, which creates shorts in the circuit. Broken alligator clips were not my only problem. The flashlight’s head that I was using was also broken from its contacts. The flashlight’s broken contacts were not a humongous problem because I had all the required equipment to perform the soldering needed. However, the broken alligator clips and broken contacts made me take the decision of replacing all the wiring with 0.22 gauge, solid wire that would resist constant abuse.
Journal #9
11/13/16
“Personal Impact”
My PBL project has definitely had an impact on me. Now, I feel that I am able of managing my time wisely, work under pressure, and improvise my way out of any situation. Because of the many due dates on each task of my project, I have not wasted my time at all. Ever since I started doing my PBL, my days have become very productive. Working under pressure has also helped a lot by forcing me to work faster but with the same quality. Finally, improvisation has been my best friend all throughout the process of making my project. It does matter if I do not have the required tools to work because I can improvise and come up with an easier solution to any problem.
Journal #2
11/06/16
“Pick your Poison”
Choosing my PBL project was definitely difficult. The problem I encountered at the time of choosing a PBL project was that there are so many options to choose from. Because there were many projects to choose from, due dates were closer than expected. Pressure and anxiety were definitely noticeable on most students. In my case, I knew what I was doing,for the most part. Since electronics has always been one of my favorite electives, I chose a wireless communicator as my PBL project. Choosing a PBL project that interested me was my main goal. I did not really take the difficulty level of the project in consideration when choosing my project. In reality, I took the challenge of building a wireless communicator to learn and experience the essence of real engineering.
Journal #4
11/08/16
“Advantages”
One of the greatest advantages of having PBLs is that we practice 21st century skills on a daily basis. Most of the skills we learn through our PBLs separate us from the crowd. On today’s systemized, always-connected society, knowing how to operate a computer has become a required skill even on the lowest of jobs.During the making of our PBLs, we learned how to use computers, software, cameras, tools, and technical skills. Our way of thinking is also affected by PBLs. For the most part, PBLs promote time-management, stressed environments, complex situations, and critical thinking.
Journal #6
11/10/16
“Improvising”
When I first started designing the schematics for the communicator, I had a problem with the dimensions of the circuit. Also, since my project was going to be displayed at my school’s annual STEM festival, I had to build my project in a way where people passing by could observe how it worked. After trying to figure out how to arrange my project in a way people could observe, I came with the idea of recycling some old plastic boxes as my project’s stand. Luckily, the plastic boxes that I recycled were strong enough to hold my whole project and serve as a container. Improvising has served me well along the process of building this project.
Journal # 8
11/12/16
“Lights, Camera, Action!”
Due to being almost done constructing the project, my main trouble now is editing a video containing everything I’ve done. Editing the video will probably be harder than performing the actual experiment because of all the technical aspects of creating a good video. I feel especially worried about the video because it takes me a couple of hours to edit. The issue is that I do not have much time left. From all the video I’ve ever edited, my PBL project videos tend to be the most complex of all.
Journal #10
11/14/16
“Reflection“
I know that to most of my classmates PBLs are a waste of time. There will be a time where they will realize that everything they have learned was to help them. Other than learning, PBL projects are something outstanding for colleges and scholarship programs. I feel fortunate of having the opportunity of learning and exploring the world around me through my PBL project.I know that today’s sacrifices will be tomorrow’s results. At the end of the day, knowledge is power, and power is knowledge.